Bill
Bill > S3576
NJ S3576
NJ S3576Establishes "Zero Energy Construction Act"; requires all new residential and commercial developments to be zero energy ready; requires developers to offer zero energy construction.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would establish the "Zero Energy Construction Act," which would, beginning on January 1, 2027, require all new residential and commercial developments to be zero energy ready and require developers to offer zero energy construction to prospective owners. Zero energy buildings consume only as much energy as can be produced onsite through renewable resources, and zero energy ready buildings are buildings capable of reaching this level of energy consumption with the addition of renewable resources. Requiring new developments to be constructed as zero energy ready will reduce both the consumption of energy that contributes to climate change as well as the long-term energy costs of home and business owners. The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities, to compile, and make available on the Internet website of the Department of Community Affairs, information for prospective owners and developers concerning the environmental benefits of, and potential energy cost savings associated with, zero energy buildings, and any applicable credits, rebates, or other incentives that may be available to the prospective owner for purchasing a zero energy building. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities, to adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill and to revise the State Uniform Construction Code and the energy subcode accordingly. While the construction requirements of the bill would be inoperative until January 1, 2027, the bill authorizes the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Board of Public Utilities, to take any anticipatory administrative action in advance as is necessary for the implementation of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Zero Energy Construction Act," mandates that starting January 1, 2027, all new residential and commercial buildings must be constructed as "zero energy ready," meaning they are designed to be capable of producing as much energy as they consume through renewable sources. Developers will be required to offer prospective buyers the option to build their homes or businesses as "zero energy buildings," which are buildings that actually achieve this energy balance. This initiative aims to reduce energy consumption, combat climate change, and lower long-term energy costs for property owners. To support this, the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities, will provide online information about the environmental and cost-saving benefits of zero energy buildings, as well as available incentives. The Commissioner will also update the State Uniform Construction Code and its energy subcode to reflect these new requirements, and relevant state agencies are authorized to take preparatory administrative actions before the effective date.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3576 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3576_I1.HTM |
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