This might be going down a rabbit hole, but in moving to California this year I noticed that "zero net energy" (ZNE) is the standard term, whereas "net zero energy" (NZE) was more common back east. The DOE's 2015 definition (below) uses "zero energy building" (ZEB), which to me implies a building uses no energy at all.
Regional differences in terminology present an interesting challenge for firms practicing nationally. Hoagie, sub, or grinder...?
Thoughts on this, anyone?
‘A basic issue that needed to be established is what to call buildings that are designed and operated in such a way that energy consumption is reduced to a level that it is balanced by renewable energy production over a typical one-year period. To make the determination, the Project Team reviewed definitions already in use; collected opinions of SME and Stakeholders; and considered other DOE programs and goals. In addition, a key factor came from the DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes program which had received feedback that concluded the term “net” was confusing to consumers. The desire was to have a term that resonated with building owners. The Project Team considered an idea advanced by some that “net” is necessary to be accurate in accounting for energy usage. The team reached the conclusion that the word “net” did not add substantive meaning to the name, since the definition fully describes how to account for delivered and exported energy. Therefore, in striving for simplicity, consistency and to accentuate the core objective, DOE and NIBS selected the term “Zero Energy Building (ZEB).” However, it is recognized that the terms Net Zero Energy (NZE) and Zero Net Energy (ZNE) are in wide use and convey the same meaning as Zero Energy.’
