According to Sustainable Facility, Integrated Design Associates' (IDeAs) Z2 Building in San Jose, California, is the first commercial office building in the United States to achieve maximum energy efficiency and reach a net-zero energy/net-zero carbon emissions goal, using state-of-the-art solutions and technologies.

Both a photovoltaic energy source and a novel HVAC system were utilized in the Z2 Building. The building's photovoltaic energy source converts sunlight into electricity using solar roof panels. The HVAC system was designed to produce maximum performance, indoor air quality and efficiency with the incorporation of a ClimateMaster geothermal heat pump system that pipes warm or cool water through the concrete floor slab to create radiant heating and cooling, in accordance with the season. A heat exchanger collects heat from the water in winter months and pulls the cooling effect from the water in the summer while the space is heated and cooled with the use of a radiant floor system with cross-linked counter flow tubing. Other energy-saving measures include the replacement of traditional computer monitors with LCD-flat screens and the installation of low-energy fluorescent bulbs.