AIA National Conference 2014

Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in Seven Climate Zones:An Analysis of How to Design NZEB’s in Varied Climates 

John Andary, 2014 AIA Fellow  David Kaneda, and John Weale presented “Net Zero Energy Buildings in Seven Climate Zones: An Analysis of How to Design NZEB’s in Varied Climates” at the AIA Convention. Techniques on a variety of projects to effectively drive energy use down to reach the net-zero energy goal were explored the the following case studies:

• Boy Scouts of America – The Summit Bechtel Reserve
• J. Craig Venter Institute
• NREL, Research Support Facilities
• Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, East Corporate Yard
• VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre
• Salt River Bay Marine Research and Education Center
• TD Bank
• Net Zero Project Overview Handout

Resources:

• “Plug Load Reduction: The Next Big Hurdle for Net Zero Energy Building Design.”  ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. 2010.
• New Buildings Institute – Zero Net Energy

Questions & Answers:Follow-up on the following Q&A from the conference will be posted on the Integral Group Blog.

• Is there a rule of thumb for the premium costs for MEP systems required to achieve a NZEB?
• An envelope with the high mass on the interior face works well in a dry climate, but does it also perform well in a humid climate?
• Some of the systems you describe are complex to run. How about commissioning?
• How do you avoid condensation on slabs with radiant cooling?
• Are you typically brought onto design teams at the SD phase? If so, do you have significant impact on massing and planning vs. merely systems integration?
• Who leads the initial design effort on projects determined to meet the requirements of a NZEB, the Architect or the Engineer?
• How do surface coatings impact the NZEB design? Can they provide advantages?
• What is the finish on the light deflectors?
• Could you share the source of that German solar screen?
• How do you control moisture with radiant cooling?
• On the Denver project, do the occupants end up breathing the air drawn thru the basement labrynth?

The Power of Zero: Optimizing Value for Next Generation Green

Lisa Matthiessen presented on The Power of Zero: Optimizing Value for Next Generation Green. Panelists explored the cost implications of building to “next generation” standards, using statistical analyses and anecdotal assessments of actual projects, and the strategies and methodologies that enable effective cost management of “next-generation green” projects. Panelists included the authors of the 2004 report, “Understanding the Cost of Green,” as well as practitioners who are building the greenest buildings and communities in the world, their experience and access to cost and benefits data for over 200 “next generation” projects forms the basis for the material presented.

To request a copy of the “ Cost of Next Generation Green” study, please contact Lisa Matthiessen.

Video Recordings

Proceedings of the referenced presentations will be available.  A link to view these recordings will be posted as soon as it is available.