The vulnerability of our resources and the anthropogenic forces on the built environment has urged scientists, architects and engineers to rigorously consider energy consumption. The building sector is the top energy consumer, and with the increasing demand in all sectors, conventional energy sources may not be reliable to single-handedly support buildings. Moreover, buildings have an impact on climate change, as well as health and wellbeing. Therefore, the urgency to support buildings' reliance on the current conventional energy system and its sources is critical. This paper disseminates the Net-Zero framework executed by the authors in The Energy Simulation Academy 'Energy Modeling Olympiad, in conjunction with IBPSA-USA, and was awarded first place in the following category 'the model that best communicates the value of the energy simulation to the building owner. Proposing guidelines to achieve a Net-Zero status for energy demanding office buildings, in Manhattan, New York. The energy analysis first started with compliance to the ASHRAE 90.1 (2018) Standard, after which a series of specific energy efficiency measures proposed to optimize the performance. Alleviating the reliance on our infrastructure systems, this research conducted several steps: (1) illustrate the reduction in energy consumption and utility costs, reducing the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 51% from 89.5 Kbtu/ft2/year to 45.12 Kbtu/ft2/year; (2) achieve adequate daylighting and reduce electric lighting demand for 50% of the floor area, thus improving the occupants' experience and productivity; (3) demonstrate the application of active energy systems that lead beyond a Net-Zero status towards Net-Zero Plus by installing a PV System of 171 Kw using 540 Poly Crystalline Cells Panels arranged in 54 arrays with 10 cells in each array with a total system cost of $92,448 for two years payback period; (4) provide a higher level of self-sufficiency by organizing the water sources available on site, leading to the implementation of two permanent tanks:15,000 gallons Septic with a cost estimate of $23,500and Rainwater harvesting; and (5) calculating the active system optimal capacity by using a 33,500 gallons cistern that covers 40% of the water demand, proposing a greywater system to cover 70% of toilet-flushing demands and controlling building's water and sewage costs.
