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Project of the Month
West Village | Davis, CA
Photo Credit: Greg Urquiaga/ UC Davis
UC Davis' 'Zero Net Energy' West Village Open this Month
According to a recent article in the LA Times, the goal of the UC Davis housing project is to only consume as much energy as it generates by "applying technologies including solar-reflective roofing, radiant barrier roof sheathing and extra insulation. Energy-efficient exterior lighting fixtures, indoor occupancy sensors and 'daylighting' techniques are expected to require about 60% less energy than standard lighting. A web-based tool will allow energy monitoring by unit and a smartphone app will let residents turn off lamps and plugged-in electronics remotely. A four-megawatt photovoltaic system is expected to meet the energy needs of the first 1,980 apartment residents and commercial spaces."
The first phase of the project includes a recreation center, village square, 42,500 square feet of commercial space and 315 apartments. Ultimately, the project as planned will house 3,000 people in 343 single-family homes and 662 apartments.
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| New Research | |
Report on Taking Existing San Francisco Homes to Zero Net Energy
San Francisco's Department of the Environment has just released a report studying pathways to zero net energy for the city's existing single-family and 2- to 4- unit buildings.
This study validated the feasibility of taking existing San Francisco homes to zero net energy. Data from two current home energy retrofit programs, along with independent testing on 2- to 4-unit homes, plus interviews with home performance experts and experienced San Francisco contractors, were used to group energy efficiency measures into three technically feasible "pathways" to zero net energy. These pathways were created based on the compatibility among the measures proposed in each, and the perceived likelihood that they would be adopted together by a homeowner with certain priorities and preferences. The pathways were then associated with one of three "personas" characterizing different types of customers in the marketplace.
Energy models of the pathways were created for both a modest and a deep retrofit. To verify the ability to reach zero net energy, the energy requirements of the homes after the proposed deep retrofits were compared against the solar potential of typical homes in San Francisco, which was in most cases sufficient to meet the remaining demand with on-site solar.
The study also reviews numerous characteristics of San Francisco's housing stock and highlights their effects on home performance. Energy efficiency issues and opportunities in 2- to 4-unit homes are also summarized.
For More Information:
The abstract and report, titled can be downloaded from the
Contact:
gail.brownell@sfgov.org
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Featured ZNE Project: UC Davis West Village Complex
Photo Credit: Greg Urquiaga/UC Davis
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In this Issue
In the October issue of the Action Bulletin, you'll find news about a new ZNE certification program, new design competition, and new research and projects in ZNE residential. You'll also learn about recent events in deep energy savings in existing building retrofits, ecodistricts and other news and events to track. See the sidebar at the left for more on our featured ZNE project - the recently opened UC Davis West Village ZNE Complex - as well as links to key ZNE resources.
About the Action Bulletin
In response to multiple requests for more information on news and events in the zero net energy (ZNE) buildings arena, New Buildings Institute, in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), developed this ZNE Action Bulletin to keep you informed of new trainings, workshops, innovative buildings and developments with key strategic efforts in policy and planning. |
| News & Events | |
Launch of a "Net Zero Energy Building Certification Program"
On October 4, the International Living Future Institute announced the release of the Net Zero Energy Building Certification Program for new and existing buildings. Already a component of the the Living Building Challenge, "net zero energy" is now available as a separate certification. The program will certify buildings both nationally and internationally based on the following criteria: "One hundred percent of the building's energy needs on a net annual basis must be supplied by on-site renewable energy." Energy is based on measured performance, not modeled outcomes, and the certification will be based on a minimum of 12 months of consecutive building operation.
For More Information: Visit the International Living Building Institute website or read the press release
ZNE Design Competion | November 29, 2011 Entry Deadline
Architecture at Zero is an international open ideas competition with a focus on the specific challenges of creating urban zero net energy buildings. The competition seeks creative and feasible approaches to urban ZNE building to broaden the conversation around how a site zero net energy project will be approached now and in the future. Sponsored by the PG&E ZNE Pilot Program, this competition is open to students, architects, engineers and designers anywhere in the world. $25,000 in total prize money will be awarded. There will be at least two awards given, one for a student entry and one for a professional entry. Final decisions and prize money distribution will be made solely by the jury and will be announced on December 7, 2011.
Research & Technology Action Plan Workshop | November 1-2, 2011
The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate information exchange and continue development of the action plan for the Research and Technology (R&T) Chapter of the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan (CEESP). The meeting will build on the work initiated during the first workshop on the R&T Action Plan held in July of 2011.The meeting will take place in San Francisco at the following locations:
* Tuesday (Nov, 1st) Milton Marks Conference Center, Benicia Room
* Wednesday (Nov 2nd) CPUC Auditorium.
For More Information: Contact Ayat Osman at the CPUC for the two-day meeting agendas, remote attendance options, and additional background. Also see the Planning and Policy section below for more about the R&T Action Plan. |
| Education & Training |
EcoDistricts Summit | October 26-28, 2011 Portland, Oregon This three-day summit will explore topics such as district energy and water utilities, net zero buildings, smart grid, networked transportation, urban ecosystem services, zero waste and human behavior.
PG&E Zero Net Energy Pilot Program Trainings & Workshops
The ZNE Pilot Program supports a number of technical activities, including workshops and educational series for those looking to learn more about Zero Net Energy. The workshops are intended to help design professionals develop the knowledge necessary to create the next generation of energy saving buildings. Classes may be taken individually or as a series. Search the class lists for "ZNE." PG&E Education Resources:
Upcoming ZNE-Related Classes through the PG&E Pilot Program
- Our Zero Net Future: Designing for Plug Loads and User Energy Needs:
Wednesday, October 26, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, San Francisco - Pacific Energy Center and online
- The Passive House Approach to Zero Net Energy Homes
Friday, November 18, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, San Jose
- Smart Grid Fundamentals
Thursday, December 1, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, San Francisco - Pacific Energy Center
For More Information: Search for Classes by Specialty or General Search for PEC Classes |
| Planning & Policy | |
ZNE Action Plan Update
New Strategic Plan Progress Report
The California Long-term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, published in 2008 and updated in 2011 by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), sets ambitious efficiency goals for the state, including achieving zero net energy (ZNE) new construction in the residential sector by 2020 and commercial sector by 2030.The Plan was crafted to include a combination of efforts to achieve these goals, ranging from utility programs to codes and standards to market initiatives. The investor-owned utilities' (IOUS') 2010-2012 portfolios were the first to embrace the Strategic Plan as a guiding framework. The Strategic Plan has had some significant successes. This mid-term 2011 report provides a good overview and updates on a sample of the broad range of energy efficiency activities in the state, including several ZNE Action Plans. View the Strategic Plan Progress Report
Prioritizing Resources - ZNE Commercial Action Plan
Since the last gathering of ZNE Commercial Action Plan leaders in June, NBI and CPUC have been working closely to develop a Roadmap for ZNE Buildings and a prioritization approach to evaluate which efforts need extra emphasis now to advance the concept and build the base for the movement. We are developing a survey to get input on which strategies should be our highest priority now. If you are a ZNE Champion, expect to see this survey within the month for your input and feedback.
Research &Technology Action Plan Moving Forward
The Research &Technology Action Plan is moving ahead. There will be a workshop November 1-2 in San Francisco to gather public input. The R&T Action Plan will be designed to help California achieve the Zero Net Energy and hot-dry climate HVAC technologies goals described in the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan:
- Research and Development to achieve incremental improvement in existing integrated demand side management (IDSM) technologies and breakthrough in advancing new and/or emerging IDSM technologies
- Commercialization including demonstration, deployment and consumer acceptance to advance the market adoption of integrated DSM technologies.
For More Information: See the News and Events section for meeting locations or contact Ayat Osman at the CPUC for the two-day meeting agendas, remote attendance options, and additional background.
California's "Engage 360" Web Portal in Transition
Based on a recent ruling by CPUC Commissioner Ferron, the CPUC is suspending work on the Engage 360 web portal due to concerns over budget and need. The Commissioner raised questions for public input including whether or not to continue the Engage 360 and ME&O campaign, possible branding changes, and budget, administration and oversight issues. The Commission is seeking input on these and other questions.
To Comment: Please contact Jordana Cammarata at the CPUC to find out how to become a party to the proceeding. |
| Innovative Buildings |
 Photo Credit: zHomes
zHomes - Zero Net Energy Multifamily Residential - Issaquah, Washington
This recently completed10-unit multifamily townhouse project is a joint venture by the City of Issaquah and the developer. Averaged out over the course of a year, the project is anticipated to generate all of its energy needs. The project features a comprehensive approach to green design and addresses 60% reduction in water use, waste, materials and compact site design. According to Treehugger Magazine, "zHome claims to be the first net-zero community in America." |
| Other Announcements | |
Deep Savings in Existing Buildings Summit
New Buildings Institute and the National Trust for Historic Preservation hosted a summit on Deep Energy Savings in Existing Buildings in Boulder, Colorado on September 14-16. The event convened 80 national experts in critical aspects of energy efficiency including implementation, design, ownership, management, research, policy, and utility programs. A report detailing the outcomes of the Summit is in progress; however a brief "Snapshot" of the event is linked below along with other resources from the event.
For More Information: Visit the Summit website or view the Summit Snapshot |
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We look forward to hearing about your ZNE efforts. If you want to get the word out on related upcoming ZNE events, new research, buildings or other CA ZNE Action Plan news, please send info to Heather Flint Chatto, heather@newbuildings.org. |
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