New Buildings Institute

What New Buildings Institute does

New Buildings Institute (NBI) is a Portland, Oregon-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 that develops research, model energy codes, and digital tools to advance energy efficiency and decarbonization in commercial and multifamily buildings. The organization operates three program hubs—Getting to Zero, Building Innovation, and Codes & Policy—and maintains a Washington, D.C. presence for federal engagement. Its technical portfolio includes the Getting to Zero Buildings Database (the most comprehensive North American catalog of verified and emerging zero energy projects, with nearly 600 entries spanning 26 states and Canada after the February 2026 Phius partnership), the Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) absolute scoring framework that decouples measurement from shifting code baselines, the Building Decarbonization Code overlay compatible with the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1, and topic-specific guidelines covering embodied carbon, climate-resilient energy codes, electrification permitting, and microgrid-enabled community resilience.

NBI serves K-12 school districts (via the new HVAC Change Lab, the DOE Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, and the Interactive Climate Resolution Schools Map), state and local jurisdictions adopting building codes, building designers and architects (through AIA LU|HSW-credit on-demand webinars and research), and commercial building owners navigating building performance standards. The organization distributes most resources, including the database and guidelines, free of charge. Revenue comes from diversified foundation grants (McKnight, ClimateWorks, NRDC), corporate sponsorships and utility partnerships (NYSERDA, National Grid, SCE, PG&E, SMUD, SDGE, Energy Trust of Oregon, NEEA, NEEP), federal grants (notably DOE's BENEFIT program under award DE-EE0009747 and the Building Technologies Office), individual donations, and event and webinar fees. There is no equity investor base; governance rests with a Board of Directors.

Go-to-market is community- and event-led. Distribution is anchored by the annual Getting to Zero Forum (300-360+ industry leaders), AIA-credit webinars, direct technical assistance to school districts, and partnership-based reach through USGBC/Center for Green Schools, the National Center on School Infrastructure, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and DOE. Notable recent moves include the February 2026 HVAC Change Lab launch (a three-nonprofit partnership targeting 12-15 K-12 districts from March 2026 through spring 2027) and integration of 84 Phius-certified projects into the Getting to Zero Buildings Database, alongside the launch of High-Efficiency Electrification Resources and a draft ASHRAE 189.1 Climate Resiliency Appendix in early 2026.

Name

New Buildings Institute

Legal name

New Buildings Institute

Website

https://newbuildings.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

New Buildings Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces research, model energy codes, and digital tools—including the Getting to Zero Buildings Database and the zEPI scoring framework—to accelerate building decarbonization for jurisdictions, K-12 school districts, design professionals, and commercial building owners across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Building Energy Efficiency Research and Policy

akta.pro primary industry

Green Building & Energy-Efficient Construction (LEED, Weatherization) (EDAOAAAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Residential Green / High-Performance Home Construction (Net-Zero, Passive House) (IMAFABAH)

Keywords

• Building energy efficiency
• Zero energy buildings
• Building decarbonization
• Energy code development
• Building performance standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Nonprofit Grants: NBI receives funding from foundations and nonprofit organizations (e.g., McKnight Foundation, ClimateWorks) to support research, tool development, and program delivery across its three program hubs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Utility Partnerships: NBI's valued sponsors and partners include utilities (NYSERDA, National Grid, SCE, PG&E, SMUD, SDGE), energy efficiency organizations (Energy Trust of Oregon, NEEA, NEEP), and industry associations (AIA, ASHRAE, USGBC, IFMA). These provide financial and in-kind support.
3. Government Grants: NBI receives federal government funding, notably from the U.S. Department of Energy's BENEFIT program and Building Technologies Office, supporting electrification and climate resilience code development.
4. Individual Donations: NBI accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals to support the maintenance of public resources like the Getting to Zero Buildings Database and ongoing research.
5. Event and Webinar Revenue: NBI generates revenue through its annual Getting to Zero Forum and webinar programs, with webinars offering AIA LU|HSW professional development credits for a fee.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

New Buildings Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops research, policy frameworks, model codes, scoring tools, and technical assistance programs to advance energy efficiency, decarbonization, and climate resilience in commercial and multifamily buildings. Its core deliverables include the Getting to Zero Buildings Database, the Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI), the Building Decarbonization Code overlay, and direct coaching programs for K-12 school districts and state and local jurisdictions.

Product overview

New Buildings Institute (NBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides research, tools, guidelines, and programs to advance energy efficiency and decarbonization in the built environment. The organization operates as a platform of interconnected resources rather than a single unified product, including the Getting to Zero Buildings Database (an interactive tool cataloging verified and emerging zero energy buildings), the Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) scoring system, the Building Decarbonization Code overlay for energy codes, High-Efficiency Electrification Resources, and the Getting to Zero Resource Hub. NBI also facilitates partnerships like the HVAC Change Lab and offers webinars, research publications, and interactive tools for industry professionals, policymakers, and school districts working toward zero energy and carbon neutral buildings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Getting to Zero Buildings Database An interactive online database maintained by NBI that identifies, researches, analyzes, and promotes commercial and multifamily buildings that are leaders in low and zero energy performance across North America, with nearly 600 verified and emerging projects and growing through partnerships such as the February 2026 Phius integration of 84 certified ZERO projects.
• Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) A proprietary absolute scoring scale (0-100+) developed by NBI that measures commercial building energy performance based on actual Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets adjusted for climate and building type, enabling direct comparison of buildings and energy codes independent of shifting code baselines (100 = average 2000 building, 0 = net zero energy).
• Building Decarbonization Code A model code overlay compatible with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1 that provides code language for both residential and commercial new construction to reduce on-site fossil fuel consumption and prepare buildings for a cleaner grid, offered in All-Electric and Mixed-Fuel pathway options.
• High-Efficiency Electrification Resources A resource set developed through the U.S. Department of Energy's BENEFIT (Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies) program supporting building electrification while improving energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and savings, with content for residential retrofits, all-electric new construction, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters.
• Getting to Zero Resource Hub A resource library of over 300 resources on zero energy and carbon neutral buildings, including guides, models, research, case studies, and educational webinars spanning design and development, codes and policy, residential buildings, and embodied carbon.
• Interactive Climate Resolution Schools Map An interactive map cataloging K-12 school districts across the U.S. that have adopted formal goals to address carbon emissions through policies, resolutions, plans, design standards, or other formal mechanisms to support healthy, efficient, resilient schools.
• Embodied Carbon Building Code A guideline providing code language and resources for incorporating embodied carbon requirements into building codes and energy policies without compromising outcomes related to energy use, cost, decarbonization, air quality, public health, comfort, and grid reliability.
• EVSE, Energy Storage, and Solar Permitting and Inspection Guidelines Guidelines for permitting and inspecting electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), energy storage systems, and solar installations in buildings, supporting code adoption by state and local jurisdictions.
• Standard 189.1 Draft Appendix on Climate Resiliency A draft proposed appendix to ASHRAE Standard 189.1 (Standard for the Design of High-Performance ASHRAE Green Buildings) addressing climate resiliency provisions for high-performance green buildings, with metrics and resilience valuation developed in collaboration with PNNL and PAE Engineering.
• Microgrid Opportunities: Vehicles Enhancing Resiliency (MOVER) A first-of-its-kind pilot project guideline that demonstrates and refines microgrid approaches using electric vehicles to enhance community resiliency during natural disasters and energy disruptions.
• On-Demand Webinars with AIA LU|HSW Credits A paid on-demand webinar program covering building codes, schools, zero energy buildings, building portfolio management, and grid optimization, with AIA LU|HSW professional development credits available for select recordings.
• HVAC Change Lab Program A technical assistance and coaching program delivering peer networking, one-on-one coaching, and direct support to 12-15 K-12 school districts to address HVAC upgrades, indoor air quality, student health, operating costs, and emergency resilience, scheduled to run March 2026 through spring 2027.

Quantifiable outcome

• 79% of 84 newly added Phius buildings achieved a negative Site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) when renewables were included
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026NBI partnered with the Center for Green Schools (CfGS) and the National Center on School Infrastructure to launch The HVAC Change Lab, providing peer networking, one-on-one coaching, and technical assistance to 12–15 school districts to upgrade aging HVAC systems. Implementation runs March 2026 through spring 2027, addressing indoor air quality, student health, operating costs, and emergency resilience.
• National Center on School InfrastructurecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026Together with CfGS and NBI, this nonprofit co-launched the HVAC Change Lab targeting school districts' HVAC and indoor air quality challenges. The partnership leverages each organization's expertise in green schools, school infrastructure, and building performance to deliver technical assistance and peer learning to 12–15 districts.
• Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026NBI and Phius partnered to expand the Getting to Zero Buildings Database by integrating 84 certified Phius ZERO projects, demonstrating ultra-low-energy and ultra-low-carbon performance across diverse building types (single-family homes, multifamily apartments, schools, government buildings, offices) in 26 states.
• Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNBI partners with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program (DOE), delivering targeted technical assistance, in-person events, and virtual learning to K-12 schools. Lab provides technical support alongside NBI, CfGS, and DOE.
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerDOE leads the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program in partnership with DOE, Dept. of Education, EPA, with technical support from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and NBI. DOE also funds the BENEFIT program (Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies) under which NBI creates electrification resources. DOE's Building Technologies Office supports the Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code development.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIA is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI. AIA is also a collaborator on webinar programming, offering AIA LU|HSW professional development credits for NBI's on-demand webinar content.
• ASHRAEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASHRAE is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI. NBI presents research at ASHRAE conferences (e.g., Winter 2026) and the Building Decarbonization Code is compatible with ASHRAE 90.1.
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSGBC is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI. Through the Center for Green Schools (a USGBC program), USGBC collaborates with NBI on the HVAC Change Lab and the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program.
• Institute for Market Transformation (IMT)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMT is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI, collaborating on building performance standards and utility data access policy.
• PAE EngineeringsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNBI partnered with PAE Engineering and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to conduct research on building and grid-level energy resilience impacts of the Draft Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code.
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)supportingTechnology or IntegrationPNNL partnered with NBI and PAE Engineering to conduct research on resilience frameworks and the benefits of resilience measures for codes and utility programs. PNNL also helped develop the Impact Assessment Methodology and resilience valuation metrics for the CT Climate Resilient Energy Code.
• Energy SolutionssupportingTechnology or IntegrationNBI partnered with Energy Solutions and Codes and Policy Director Emeritus Jim Edelson to conduct a policy landscape review and technical analysis of the public health impacts of woody biomass combustion for compliance with building performance standards.
• Clean Energy GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClean Energy Group led the Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code development project with NBI authoring the code framework. The code is intended to cover climate-resilient energy systems for multifamily affordable housing, including on-site renewable emergency power. American Microgrid Solutions served as the project's microgrid consultant.
• Steven Winters AssociatessupportingTechnology or IntegrationSteven Winters Associates partnered with NBI and other organizations under the DOE BENEFIT program to develop resources supporting building electrification while improving energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and savings.
• Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWHI is a national program launched by NBI alongside BPA, NEEA, SMUD, DOE, and ENERGY STAR to make high-efficiency, grid-connected heat pump water heaters the primary choice for water heating in U.S. buildings. Goals: 100% market share for residential water heating by 2030 and 90% of multifamily new construction for central HPWH by 2026.
• Codes for Climate InitiativesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Codes for Climate Initiative is supported by NBI's Building Decarbonization Code, which was developed to help states and cities mitigate carbon from the built environment.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWBCSD is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI.
• International Facility Management Association (IFMA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFMA is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI.
• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPRI is listed as a valued sponsor and partner of NBI.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Clean Energy Group: Clean Energy Group led the Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code development project with NBI authoring the code framework. Both are nonprofits focused on clean energy deployment, resilience, and policy adoption, often partnering on climate-related code work.
• Building Decarbonization Coalition: Building Decarbonization Coalition is a nonprofit coalition advocating for policy, technology, and market transformation to eliminate fossil fuel use in buildings. Both organizations work directly on building electrification policy, codes, and market transformation efforts at state and federal levels.
• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE): ACEEE is a nonprofit research organization focused on energy efficiency policy, including building codes, appliance standards, and utility programs. NBI's CEO Nora Wang Esram previously led research at ACEEE, and both organizations publish influential policy research targeting state and federal decision-makers.
• Institute for Market Transformation (IMT): IMT focuses on building performance standards, utility data access, and commercial building retrofit financing. NBI and IMT are listed mutual partners working on overlapping building decarbonization policy areas including BPS compliance and utility data access.
• Passive House Institute US (Phius): Phius is a nonprofit that certifies passive building standards for ultra-low-energy buildings across North America. NBI and Phius partnered in February 2026 to integrate 84 certified Phius ZERO projects into NBI's Getting to Zero Database, making them directly comparable research and certification organizations.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Green Building Council: USGBC operates the LEED green building rating system and the Center for Green Schools, making it a direct peer and partner of NBI on the HVAC Change Lab. Both organizations target high-performance buildings, codes & policy, and K-12 schools, with USGBC operating at significantly larger scale and with a fee-generating certification product.
• Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): RMI is a clean energy transformation nonprofit working on building decarbonization, electrification, and climate policy. It operates larger and broader programs than NBI, including building economics research, market acceleration, and direct engagement with utilities and policymakers.
• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC is a major environmental nonprofit that has funded NBI's Building Decarbonization Code cost study and is connected through co-founder David Goldstein's 43-year NRDC career. Both organizations work on building decarbonization policy, climate advocacy, and federal engagement.
• ASHRAE: ASHRAE is the standards body for HVAC and building energy standards (90.1, 189.1). NBI's Building Decarbonization Code is designed as an overlay compatible with ASHRAE 90.1, and NBI presents research at ASHRAE conferences. ASHRAE operates at much larger scale and controls the underlying standards framework.

Emerging players

• Earth Advantage: Earth Advantage is a nonprofit working on green building certification, sustainability education, and zero energy building programs primarily in the Pacific Northwest. It operates at smaller scale than NBI with overlapping focus on residential and commercial high-performance buildings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• Facebookfacebook.com/NewBuildingsInstitute
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• Instagraminstagram.com/newbuildingsinstitute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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