More government agencies and voters (even in red states) now require Net Zero buildings in order to pass funding. Four of our last 5 stations have been required to be Net Zero ready and the learning curve for fire and law enforcement has been steep! One way architecture can take action is to focus on reducing energy consumption and producing renewable, on-site energy. Already hubs for communities, fire departments and law enforcement agencies can get there, it is another hurdle they have to jump through in order to renovate/ expand or to build new. Public awareness leads to expensive sustainability requirements and if agencies are not prepared, the overall building might not be affordable. There is plenty of debate about climate change and sustainability but there are no arguments that if it is required by forces outside public safety, our first responders might suffer if they do not know the correct path to get there. The Cambridge Fire Department case study shows how the City Council required something and it is possible to achieve the requirement of zero emissions, by using all-electric appliances, envelope insulation strategies, all-electric and energy efficient systems, and many sources of renewable energy. This fire station is a great example of how to build within an urban setting. Other sustainable amenities included in this project include the use of geothermal wells, photovoltaic panels, and unique landscape design to help mitigate the urban heat island effect. The Town of Exeter, New Hampshire (red state) budgeted for a combined police station and fire substation, yet on the voting floor the community put forth a requirement that the building become net zero facility. Our work proves that even though the rural town is located 16 miles away from the nearest city, net zero infrastructure is still possible. Using similar design tactics as the Cambridge Fire Station, we were able to create a more energy efficient building that will ultimately use less energy than the town’s previous police station. By knowing what is required for a Net Zero building net zero fire departments and police departments can navigate the complexities of unforeseen requirements, and we can help define all that is required.