The phrase “zero energy building” means different things to different people when it comes to HVAC construction.

ASHRAE will attempt to create some common definitions for the HVAC market in a session at its June 27-July 1 annual meeting in Atlanta.

“What is a Zero Energy Building and How Can We Get There?” is one of 100 sessions during the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ 2015 annual conference. Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., is the presenter.

“We talk about green buildings, sustainable buildings and high performing buildings, but it is hard to measure success,” Torcellini said. “Zero energy gives you an energy goal that you can predict and measure and you know if you’ve achieved it – ‘Yes, this is’ or ‘No, this isn’t a zero energy building.’ ”

Other topics scheduled for discussion include green HVAC and other HVAC construction issues. More details are at www.ashrae.org/atlanta.