netpositive

Net positive is a sustainability concept describing systems, buildings, or programs that generate a surplus of beneficial outputs after accounting for inputs. It implies that more energy, water, materials, or value is created than consumed.

In energy terms, net positive usually means on-site generation and efficiency that produce more energy than used over a defined period, typically a year. Surplus power can be exported or stored.

For water, net positive means harvesting, treating, and reusing more water than drawn from sources, using rainwater collection, graywater systems, and recycling. In materials, it emphasizes reducing virgin inputs and returning resources to circulation.

Constraints and standards guide implementation. The Living Building Challenge requires net positive energy, water, and materials performance, while other frameworks set metrics for measurement and verification.

Adoption faces upfront costs, measurement complexity, and long-term maintenance needs. Yet supporters argue net positive approaches can yield resilience, lower operating costs, and broader community benefits.

Net positive sits within regenerative design and the circular economy, emphasizing surplus and positive externalities rather than merely balancing inputs and outputs.