Overview Massachusetts has set out on an aggressive agenda to address global climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and develop a vital clean energy sector that provides both energy security and economic prosperity for its citizens. Building on the Commonwealth's leadership to advance energy efficiency and employ cutting-edge design and clean energy technologies, Governor Patrick directed the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), with financial support from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), to establish a Task Force of experts and local leaders who can examine the prospect of zero net energy buildings, both commercial and residential, and prepare a report that offers specific recommendations on how to: Point the way toward broad marketability of zero net energy residential and commercial buildings in the private sector by 2020, and universal adoption of zero net energy buildings for new construction by 2030; Specify an interim standard for state-owned construction that is significantly more stringent than the current Mass LEED Plus benchmark; and Develop specifications for the first state-owned zero net energy building by January 1, 2010. The work of the Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force, to be completed by March 2009, will be integral in developing new policies and protocols to help the Commonwealth respond to the challenges of climate change and develop a clean energy economy.