National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building: Part 1 Operating Emissions Version 1.00, Draft Criteria, 1086-1088 [2024-00203]

Download as PDF 1086 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices Dated: January 3, 2024. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024–00256 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001–FR–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket No.: ED–2024–SCC–0003] Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Migrant Student Information Exchange User Application Form Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), Department of Education (ED). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Department is proposing an extension without change of a currently approved information collection request (ICR). DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before March 11, 2024. ADDRESSES: To access and review all the documents related to the information collection listed in this notice, please use https://www.regulations.gov by searching the Docket ID number ED– 2024–SCC–0003. Comments submitted in response to this notice should be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov by selecting the Docket ID number or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. If the regulations.gov site is not available to the public for any reason, the Department will temporarily accept comments at ICDocketMgr@ed.gov. Please include the docket ID number and the title of the information collection request when requesting documents or submitting comments. Please note that comments submitted after the comment period will not be accepted. Written requests for information or comments submitted by postal mail or delivery should be addressed to the Manager of the Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, LBJ, Room 6W203, Washington, DC 20202–8240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Benjamin Starr, 202–245–8116. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Jan 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. The Department is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Migrant Student Information Exchange User Application Form. OMB Control Number: 1810–0686. Type of Review: An extension without change of a currently approved ICR. Respondents/Affected Public: State, local, and Tribal governments. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 732. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 366. Abstract: Regulations for the Migrant Information Exchange (MSIX), effective on June 9, 2016, were issued by the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). The MSIX, a nationwide, electronic records exchange mechanism mandated under Title I, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended. As a condition of receiving a grant of funds under the Migrant Education Program (MEP), each State educational agency (SEA) is required to collect, maintain, and submit minimum health and educationrelated data to MSIX within established timeframes. MSIX is designed to facilitate timely school enrollment, grade and course placement, accrual of secondary course credits and participation in the MEP for migratory children. Additionally, the regulations help the Department to determine accurate migratory child counts and meet other MEP reporting requirements. The MEP is authorized under sections PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1301–1309 in title I, part C of the ESEA, as amended. MSIX and the minimum data elements (MDEs) are authorized specifically under section 1308(b) of the ESEA, as amended. The Department is requesting approval to extend the 1810–0686 information collection that supports statutory requirements for data collection under title I, part C—MEP. The purpose of the MSIX User Application Form is to collect user directory data to verify the identity of users in order to grant access to the MSIX system for the purpose of transferring migratory student data. The application collects information on an MSIX users’ identity, title/position, work address, work telephone, email, and role in MSIX. Dated: January 4, 2024. Kun Mullan, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance, Governance and Strategy Division, Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2024–00255 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building: Part 1 Operating Emissions Version 1.00, Draft Criteria Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Request for information (RFI). AGENCY: The White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy (Climate Policy Office) seeks to create a standardized, verifiable basis for defining a zero emissions building. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this RFI to receive input on Part 1 of the draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. DOE intends to publish Part 1 of the definition in early 2024. DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this request for information no later than 5 p.m. (ET) on February 5, 2024. ADDRESSES: Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically at https:// forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hayes Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Building Technologies Office, Commercial Buildings Integration, (202) 586–8873, Hayes.Jones@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09JAN1.SGM 09JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices Background President Biden called for net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by 2050 and a 100% clean energy electricity sector by 2035.1 The building sector currently contributes more than one-third of U.S. greenhouse gases. Within the building sector, the Biden-Harris Administration has set the goal to make zero emissions resilient new construction and retrofits common practice by 2030. Accomplishing these goals will require increasing efficiency and expanding clean energy capacity. Zero emissions buildings will plug into a grid that is rapidly becoming cleaner. All buildings, both new and existing, have a critical role to play in achieving a clean energy economy. A clean energy economy advances the goals of tackling the climate crisis, and protecting public health and the environment, including local communities’ health and wellbeing. Executive Order 14096, ‘‘Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All,’’ directs every Federal agency to advance environmental justice for all, including work to better protect communities with environmental justice concerns from the increasing impacts of climate change. It is also vital that the Administration is implementing Executive Order 14096 and the historic Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments in climate and other key areas flow to disadvantaged communities. A broadly accepted common minimum definition for a zero emissions building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to efforts by public and private entities to transition the building sector to zero emissions.2 The intent of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building is to create a standardized, consistent, measurable basis for zero operating emissions buildings. This clear market signal and consistent target is intended to help move the building sector to zero emissions. The definition may serve as a framework that users can achieve through multiple pathways to influence the design and operation of buildings to substantially reduce building sector emissions. The minimum criteria included to define a zero operating emissions building is a building that is: • Highly energy efficient, • Free of on-site emissions from energy use, and 1 www.whitehouse.gov/climate/. • Powered solely from clean energy. Part 1 of the draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building focuses on operational emissions which have well-established measurement protocols. Reducing the whole life cycle emissions of a building also requires minimizing the embodied carbon of the building, as well as minimizing the impacts of refrigerants. Such emissions are not within scope for Part 1 and may be considered in subsequent parts to the National Definition for a Zero Emission Building. This definition can be applied to existing buildings and new construction of non-federally owned buildings. This definition is not intended for federally owned buildings, which are governed as a portfolio through statutory and executive guidance. Part 1 of the draft definition in full, which includes details on the criteria above, is available here: https:// www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/ national-definition-zero-emissionsbuilding. This RFI is intended to collect broader technical input on Part 1 of the draft definition. DOE will consider responses to this RFI before finalizing version 1.00 of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. DOE issued a RFI in 2015 for zero energy buildings.3 While the 2015 RFI was informative, the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building in this RFI has different parameters. Purpose The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on Part 1 of a draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. Disclaimer and Important Notes This RFI is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA); therefore, EERE is not accepting applications at this time. EERE may issue a FOA in the future based on or related to the content and responses to this RFI; however, EERE may also elect not to issue a FOA. There is no guarantee that a FOA will be issued as a result of this RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential applicants if EERE chooses to issue a FOA regarding the subject matter. Final details, including the anticipated award size, quantity, and timing of EERE funded awards, will be subject to Congressional appropriations and direction. Any 2 www.whitehouse.gov/climate/and www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023–03/doe-fy2024-budget-vol-4-eere-v2.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Jan 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 3 RFI for Definition for Zero Energy, Buildings 80 FR 499 (Jan. 6, 2015). PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1087 information obtained as a result of this RFI is intended to be used by the Government on a non-attribution basis for planning and strategy development; this RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. Your response to this notice will be treated as information only. EERE will review and consider all responses in its formulation of program strategies for the identified materials of interest that are the subject of this request. EERE will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. Respondents are advised that EERE is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this RFI do not bind EERE to any further actions related to this topic. Confidential Business Information Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. Evaluation and Administration by Federal and Non-Federal Personnel Federal employees are subject to the non-disclosure requirements of a criminal statute, the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. The Government may seek the advice of qualified non-Federal personnel. The Government may also use non-Federal personnel to conduct routine, nondiscretionary administrative activities. The respondents, by submitting their response, consent to EERE providing their response to nonFederal parties. Non-Federal parties given access to responses must be subject to an appropriate obligation of confidentiality prior to being given access. Submissions may be reviewed by support contractors and private consultants. Request for Information Questions Please reference the linked full draft of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building when responding to these questions. E:\FR\FM\09JAN1.SGM 09JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 1088 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2024 / Notices A. Are the draft criteria clear and appropriate for the definition for a zero emissions building? Should any other criteria be considered for Part 1? Please provide specific feedback about this draft definition. B. Energy efficiency criteria. Æ Should energy efficiency be considered a criteria for the definition of a zero emissions building? Æ If the efficiency of an existing building should be considered, do you agree that requiring energy performance in the top 25% of similar buildings is an appropriate measure of energy efficiency for this definition? (ENERGY STAR® score of 75 or above.) Should it be higher or lower? D Are there other benchmarks or approaches that should be considered? D For an existing building, is one year of measured energy performance an appropriate requirement for demonstrating efficiency or is another approach appropriate? D Are the draft criteria appropriate for single-family homes? Are there other benchmarks that should be considered for single-family homes? Æ For new construction, are the draft criteria appropriate? The modeled building performance is at least 10% lower than the energy use according to the latest version of IECC or ASHRAE 90.1 (e.g., model energy code) and the building is designed to achieve an ENERGY STAR score of at least 90 (for eligible buildings). Are there other benchmarks that should be considered? D Are the draft criteria appropriate for single family homes? Are there other benchmarks that should be considered for single family homes? C. On-site emissions from energy use. • Should there be an exemption allowed for emission producing emergency generation? Are any other exemptions needed? • Should biofuels consumed on-site be allowed? If so, how? D. Clean energy generation and procurement. • Are the clean energy criteria provided appropriate for this definition? Are there other clean energy criteria that should be considered? Should community solar qualify for this requirement? If so, how? • Should there be a proximity requirement for off-site power used to meet the clean power criterion? If so, how should a proximity requirement be implemented (e.g., regional definition, phase-in, etc.)? E. Documentation is important for effective implementation. • Should organizations leveraging the definition be able to determine whether buildings have to meet it annually, one time, or on a different frequency? VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Jan 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 • If the definition is extended to single-family homes, what documentation should be required? • Are licensed professional and thirdparty certification bodies the appropriate parties to independently verify the documentation that a building has met the definition? Beyond existing government resources such as EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, are there other methods to verify meeting the zero emissions building definition? • What time frame should be used for greenhouse gas (GHG) calculations (i.e. hourly, monthly by year, annually)? Explain how this would be implemented effectively across the market. • What other verification criteria are necessary to make this definition useful for the marketplace? • Are there any issues regarding conflict or synergy with regional, state or local energy and climate programs that ought to be addressed? F. Use cases. • Is it important for a national definition to cover all building types, including commercial, multifamily, and single-family? • Are there any other recommendations that would help clarify and improve the definition? • While Part 1 of the definition focuses on operating emissions, what other areas should be considered in future parts of the definition, such as embodied carbon, refrigerant, and grid interactivity? Request for Information Response Guidelines Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically at https:// forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3. Only responses to this web form will be accepted. Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish. EERE will not respond to individual submissions or publish publicly a compendium of responses. A response to this RFI will not be viewed as a binding commitment to develop or pursue the project or ideas discussed. Respondents are requested to provide the following information at the start of their response to this RFI: • Company/institution name; • Company/institution contact; • Contact’s address, phone number, and email address. Virtual Listening Sessions may be held additional information will be posted at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/ buildings/national-definition-zeroemissions-building. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on December 28, 2023, by Jeffrey Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2024. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2024–00203 Filed 1–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP24–34–000] Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline Take notice that on December 27, 2023, Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC (Transwestern), 1300 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed in the above referenced docket, a prior notice request pursuant to sections 157.205 and 157.216 of the Commission’s regulations under the Natural Gas Act (NGA), and Transwestern’s blanket certificate issued in Docket No. CP82– 534–000, for authorization to abandon in place the Crawford Compressor Station consisting of two natural gas compressor turbines, compressors, yard and station piping, and ancillary related facilities located in Eddy County, New Mexico, (Crawford CS or Project). The proposed abandonment will eliminate the need to maintain facilities that are not necessary for transportation of natural gas on Transwestern’s system, all as more fully set forth in the request, which is on file with the Commission, and open to public inspection. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all E:\FR\FM\09JAN1.SGM 09JAN1

Agencies

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1086-1088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00203]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building: Part 1 
Operating Emissions Version 1.00, Draft Criteria

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy (Climate 
Policy Office) seeks to create a standardized, verifiable basis for 
defining a zero emissions building. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 
is issuing this RFI to receive input on Part 1 of the draft National 
Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. DOE intends to publish Part 1 
of the definition in early 2024.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
request for information no later than 5 p.m. (ET) on February 5, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically at 
https://forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hayes Jones, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), 
Building Technologies Office, Commercial Buildings Integration, (202) 
586-8873, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 1087]]

Background

    President Biden called for net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by 
2050 and a 100% clean energy electricity sector by 2035.\1\ The 
building sector currently contributes more than one-third of U.S. 
greenhouse gases. Within the building sector, the Biden-Harris 
Administration has set the goal to make zero emissions resilient new 
construction and retrofits common practice by 2030. Accomplishing these 
goals will require increasing efficiency and expanding clean energy 
capacity. Zero emissions buildings will plug into a grid that is 
rapidly becoming cleaner. All buildings, both new and existing, have a 
critical role to play in achieving a clean energy economy. A clean 
energy economy advances the goals of tackling the climate crisis, and 
protecting public health and the environment, including local 
communities' health and well-being. Executive Order 14096, 
``Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for 
All,'' directs every Federal agency to advance environmental justice 
for all, including work to better protect communities with 
environmental justice concerns from the increasing impacts of climate 
change. It is also vital that the Administration is implementing 
Executive Order 14096 and the historic Justice40 Initiative, which set 
the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal 
investments in climate and other key areas flow to disadvantaged 
communities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ www.whitehouse.gov/climate/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A broadly accepted common minimum definition for a zero emissions 
building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to 
efforts by public and private entities to transition the building 
sector to zero emissions.\2\ The intent of Part 1 of the National 
Definition for a Zero Emissions Building is to create a standardized, 
consistent, measurable basis for zero operating emissions buildings. 
This clear market signal and consistent target is intended to help move 
the building sector to zero emissions. The definition may serve as a 
framework that users can achieve through multiple pathways to influence 
the design and operation of buildings to substantially reduce building 
sector emissions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ www.whitehouse.gov/climate/and www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/doe-fy-2024-budget-vol-4-eere-v2.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The minimum criteria included to define a zero operating emissions 
building is a building that is:
     Highly energy efficient,
     Free of on-site emissions from energy use, and
     Powered solely from clean energy.
    Part 1 of the draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions 
Building focuses on operational emissions which have well-established 
measurement protocols. Reducing the whole life cycle emissions of a 
building also requires minimizing the embodied carbon of the building, 
as well as minimizing the impacts of refrigerants. Such emissions are 
not within scope for Part 1 and may be considered in subsequent parts 
to the National Definition for a Zero Emission Building.
    This definition can be applied to existing buildings and new 
construction of non-federally owned buildings. This definition is not 
intended for federally owned buildings, which are governed as a 
portfolio through statutory and executive guidance.
    Part 1 of the draft definition in full, which includes details on 
the criteria above, is available here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/national-definition-zero-emissions-building. This RFI is 
intended to collect broader technical input on Part 1 of the draft 
definition. DOE will consider responses to this RFI before finalizing 
version 1.00 of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions 
Building.
    DOE issued a RFI in 2015 for zero energy buildings.\3\ While the 
2015 RFI was informative, the National Definition for a Zero Emissions 
Building in this RFI has different parameters.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ RFI for Definition for Zero Energy, Buildings 80 FR 499 
(Jan. 6, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Purpose

    The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, 
academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other 
stakeholders on Part 1 of a draft National Definition for a Zero 
Emissions Building.

Disclaimer and Important Notes

    This RFI is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA); 
therefore, EERE is not accepting applications at this time. EERE may 
issue a FOA in the future based on or related to the content and 
responses to this RFI; however, EERE may also elect not to issue a FOA. 
There is no guarantee that a FOA will be issued as a result of this 
RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or 
disadvantage to potential applicants if EERE chooses to issue a FOA 
regarding the subject matter. Final details, including the anticipated 
award size, quantity, and timing of EERE funded awards, will be subject 
to Congressional appropriations and direction. Any information obtained 
as a result of this RFI is intended to be used by the Government on a 
non-attribution basis for planning and strategy development; this RFI 
does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. 
Your response to this notice will be treated as information only. EERE 
will review and consider all responses in its formulation of program 
strategies for the identified materials of interest that are the 
subject of this request. EERE will not provide reimbursement for costs 
incurred in responding to this RFI. Respondents are advised that EERE 
is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information 
received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any 
information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this RFI do not bind 
EERE to any further actions related to this topic.

Confidential Business Information

    Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that 
he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public 
disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery two 
well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked ``confidential'' 
including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy 
of the document marked ``non-confidential'' with the information 
believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email 
or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the 
confidential status of the information and treat it according to its 
determination.

Evaluation and Administration by Federal and Non-Federal Personnel

    Federal employees are subject to the non-disclosure requirements of 
a criminal statute, the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. The 
Government may seek the advice of qualified non-Federal personnel. The 
Government may also use non-Federal personnel to conduct routine, 
nondiscretionary administrative activities. The respondents, by 
submitting their response, consent to EERE providing their response to 
non-Federal parties. Non-Federal parties given access to responses must 
be subject to an appropriate obligation of confidentiality prior to 
being given access. Submissions may be reviewed by support contractors 
and private consultants.

Request for Information Questions

    Please reference the linked full draft of Part 1 of the National 
Definition for a Zero Emissions Building when responding to these 
questions.

[[Page 1088]]

    A. Are the draft criteria clear and appropriate for the definition 
for a zero emissions building? Should any other criteria be considered 
for Part 1? Please provide specific feedback about this draft 
definition.
    B. Energy efficiency criteria.
    [cir] Should energy efficiency be considered a criteria for the 
definition of a zero emissions building?
    [cir] If the efficiency of an existing building should be 
considered, do you agree that requiring energy performance in the top 
25% of similar buildings is an appropriate measure of energy efficiency 
for this definition? (ENERGY STAR[supreg] score of 75 or above.) Should 
it be higher or lower?
    [ssquf] Are there other benchmarks or approaches that should be 
considered?
    [ssquf] For an existing building, is one year of measured energy 
performance an appropriate requirement for demonstrating efficiency or 
is another approach appropriate?
    [ssquf] Are the draft criteria appropriate for single-family homes? 
Are there other benchmarks that should be considered for single-family 
homes?
    [cir] For new construction, are the draft criteria appropriate? The 
modeled building performance is at least 10% lower than the energy use 
according to the latest version of IECC or ASHRAE 90.1 (e.g., model 
energy code) and the building is designed to achieve an ENERGY STAR 
score of at least 90 (for eligible buildings). Are there other 
benchmarks that should be considered?
    [ssquf] Are the draft criteria appropriate for single family homes? 
Are there other benchmarks that should be considered for single family 
homes?
    C. On-site emissions from energy use.
     Should there be an exemption allowed for emission 
producing emergency generation? Are any other exemptions needed?
     Should biofuels consumed on-site be allowed? If so, how?
    D. Clean energy generation and procurement.
     Are the clean energy criteria provided appropriate for 
this definition? Are there other clean energy criteria that should be 
considered? Should community solar qualify for this requirement? If so, 
how?
     Should there be a proximity requirement for off-site power 
used to meet the clean power criterion? If so, how should a proximity 
requirement be implemented (e.g., regional definition, phase-in, etc.)?
    E. Documentation is important for effective implementation.
     Should organizations leveraging the definition be able to 
determine whether buildings have to meet it annually, one time, or on a 
different frequency?
     If the definition is extended to single-family homes, what 
documentation should be required?
     Are licensed professional and third-party certification 
bodies the appropriate parties to independently verify the 
documentation that a building has met the definition? Beyond existing 
government resources such as EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, are 
there other methods to verify meeting the zero emissions building 
definition?
     What time frame should be used for greenhouse gas (GHG) 
calculations (i.e. hourly, monthly by year, annually)? Explain how this 
would be implemented effectively across the market.
     What other verification criteria are necessary to make 
this definition useful for the marketplace?
     Are there any issues regarding conflict or synergy with 
regional, state or local energy and climate programs that ought to be 
addressed?
    F. Use cases.
     Is it important for a national definition to cover all 
building types, including commercial, multifamily, and single-family?
     Are there any other recommendations that would help 
clarify and improve the definition?
     While Part 1 of the definition focuses on operating 
emissions, what other areas should be considered in future parts of the 
definition, such as embodied carbon, refrigerant, and grid 
interactivity?

Request for Information Response Guidelines

    Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically at https://forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3. Only responses to this web form will be 
accepted.
    Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish.
    EERE will not respond to individual submissions or publish publicly 
a compendium of responses. A response to this RFI will not be viewed as 
a binding commitment to develop or pursue the project or ideas 
discussed.
    Respondents are requested to provide the following information at 
the start of their response to this RFI:
     Company/institution name;
     Company/institution contact;
     Contact's address, phone number, and email address.
    Virtual Listening Sessions may be held additional information will 
be posted at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/national-definition-zero-emissions-building.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on December 
28, 2023, by Jeffrey Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated 
authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original 
signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes 
only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal 
Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been 
authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for 
publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This 
administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this 
document upon publication in the Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2024.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2024-00203 Filed 1-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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