Delaware Passes Law Calling for Net-Zero-Energy Homes
September 16, 2009

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell recently signed a bill calling for the state's Energy Office to "establish programs to promote the construction of zero-net-energy capable homes." The bill, signed into law on July 29, defines zero-net-energy capable homes as those that "through the use of energy-efficient construction, lighting, appliances and onsite renewable energy generation uses no more energy than is produced onsite." The state's goal is that as of December 31, 2030, "all commercial building construction in the state of Delaware shall be zero-net-energy capable." The state has the same goal for residential construction-but these regulations are set to take effect on December 31, 2025.

The regulations come as a result of Senate Bill 59, sponsored by Sen. Harris B. McDowell, who introduced the bill in April of this year. It amends the state's Energy Conservation Code and was introduced as an effort to update Delaware's energy-efficiency building codes and to "ensure that Delaware will receive its full share of Federal stimulus dollars," according to information from the state's legislature. It passed the state's house with a vote of 29-10 and the Senate by a vote of 19-2.

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