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Featured ZNE Project
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Photo Credit: Iwan Baan
Morphosis Studio
Located in Culver City, CA, the new two-story, 11,600 square foot Morphosis Studio offices are the international design firm's headquarters and the largest project in Los Angeles to target zero net energy status. Constructed in Spring of 2012, the building is powered by 2,800 square feet of photovoltaics located over the parking area. The roof features four monodraught windcatcher units. As described in the Architects Newsletter, the windcatchers are "louvered steel boxes containing interior cross blades that allow air into the building, and, through the pressure built up on the far side of each blade, pull hot air up the other side. A digital sensor system (powered by photovoltaics) decides when to open the louvers and set the system in motion. It also keeps the louvers open at night, so cool air can flush out the space before the next work day." The building also includes 23 skylights to provide natural daylight and solid east and south facades as well as special shades to minimize heat gain.
According to Buro Happold, mechanical consultants on the project, the building's "sustainability features include maximized natural ventilation combined with night purge cooling that utilizes the building's thermal mass, and an expandable photovoltaic system. During hot summer days the building can be conditioned through a low velocity displacement ventilation system which brings cooled air through a raised floor plenum. The open plan workspace and mezzanine are naturally ventilated while the shop, conference room, kitchen and ancillary spaces are mechanically ventilated." The project demonstrates a 70% reduction in energy consumption compared to CEUS - small office benchmark, and has a 16.2(KBtu/sf/yr) measured energy use intensity.
For More Information: Read about the project in the
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New Research | |
ZNE Buildings Cost Study
Authored by the Davis Energy Group, the California Zero Net Energy Buildings Cost Study was published in December by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to examine cost implications for zero net energy buildings. This study is the third report on ZNE (also see the Pathways to ZNE Report by Heschone Mahone Group, and Arup's Technical Potential Study), to examine the detailed issues related to achieving the state's Big Bold Energy Efficiency goals (BBEEs) for achieveing ZNE for new residential construction by 2020 and for new commercial by 2030.
According to the report's Executive Summary: "This study explored the cost-effectiveness of ZNE buildings in the current residential and commercial marketplace through a review of literature, case studies, and interviews with ZNE experts familiar with residential, commercial, and community-scale projects. Peer-reviewed research indicates steady development of high-performance buildings and subsequent ZNE design strategies over several decades. Many of the early residential and commercial examples achieved high levels of energy performance, but at significant additional
cost. The falling costs of photovoltaics (PV), combined with advanced energy modeling capabilities that support integrated design processes, have expanded market awareness of ZNE and increased the pool of
experts. In addition, changing social attitudes, public policies, and incentive programs has increased the demand for highly energy-efficient buildings. Research and interviews revealed examples where commercial buildings achieved ZNE (or near-ZNE) status at little or no additional cost. However, the current data set of available ZNE projects is insufficient to allow
for statistically-significant comparison of ZNE cost parity with non-ZNE buildings. In the commercial sector, incremental costs for analyzed buildings ranged from $0-23/square foot, but many projects did not report incremental costs making comparisons difficult. In the residential market, incremental costs for energy efficiency measures (EEMs) ranged from $2-27/square foot, after incentives or tax credits. Decreasing PV costs and power purchasing arrangements are altering the cost-effectiveness balance between efficiency and generation."
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Morphosis Architecture Studio, Culver City, CA Photo Credit: Iwan Baan In this Issue: - Featured ZNE Project: Morphosis Studio Offices, Culver City, CA
- New Research: PG&E Cost Study on ZNE
- News & Events: Building Carbon Neutral CA event, 2013 Building Energy Summit, & ZNE Task Force meetings
- Education & Training: New ZNE Books and ZNE Residential Design Trainings
- Planning & Policy: ZNE Residential Stakeholder Meeting - March 13, CPUC, 2012 & 2013 Integrated Energy Policy Report
- Innovative Buildings: Bullitt Center, Seattle, WA
- Announcements: ZNE 2013 NESEA Awards
About the Action Bulletin In response to 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 | |
CPUC ZNE Stakeholder Meeting - Residential Action Plan
March 13, 2013 | California Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco, CA
For more information: see the notice in the Planning & Policy section below
Building Carbon Zero California: Implementing Energy Efficiency for Large Buildings, Cities and Regions
March 20, 2013 | 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Pacific Energy Center
2013 Building Energy Summit
March 26, 2013 | Washington, DC
The 2013 Building Energy Summit, promises to address both the challenges and opportunities associated with energy-efficient management and operation of commercial buildings. The 2013 Building Energy Summit will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, which is itself a venue for green events and a premier example of energy-efficient operations.
Agrion Net-Zero Energy Building Taskforce Meetings
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| Education & Training | |
NEW BOOKS ON ZERO ENERGY DESIGN
- Net Zero Energy Design: A Guide for Commercial Architecture
By Tom Hootman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
This book provides architects and construction professionals with complete guidance on how to design and build net zero commercial architecture. With a focus on application in a variety of building types and scales, the book helps readers develop a thorough understanding of all the integrated principles involved in achieving net zero energy. It offers practical strategies, step-by-step technical analysis, valuable examples, developed case studies, and numerous color graphics and photographs, making it an indispensable guide for anyone venturing into net zero energy design, construction, and operation.
- Toward a Zero Energy Home: A Complete Guide to Energy Self-Sufficiency at Home
Authors David Johnston and Scott Gibson (Green from the Ground Up) explore the design and construction of self-sufficient houses from start to finish. They make the case for a ZEH; cite climate and geographic challenges; describe exactly how to go about building an energy-efficient home; and feature ten houses that were built for zero energy living. With unequaled knowledge and a passion for the subject, the authors walk readers through the process of building and living in a truly green home.
ZNE TRAININGS
ZNE Home Retrofits - People and Plug Loads, PG&E Training Center
March 26, 2013 | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Stockton--Energy Training Center
Also offered March 27, 2013 | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, San Francisco--Pacific Energy Center
People and Plug Loads addresses the role of occupant choices and behaviors in energy use, and outlines strategies that can be incorporated into home retrofit projects to support ZNE/DER goals. Topics include lighting, appliance, and electronics plug load - when to replace, and with what; automation; demand response; and home energy monitoring and management.
Zero Energy Homes - Webinar Series, Florida Solar Energy Center
Practical Education from the Experts: Presentations are by the staff of the Florida Solar Energy Center who have been conducting research leading to zero energy homes for over 30 years.This series is appropriate for builders, contractors, designers, educators, energy auditors, energy raters, engineers, perspective home buyers and utility representatives.
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Planning & Policy |
CPUC ZNE Stakeholder Meeting - Residential Action Plan March 13, 2013 | 9:45 am - 1:00 pm, (Optional session from 2:00-4:00 pm) Golden Gate Room, 505 Van Ness Avenue
California Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco
The Energy Division of the California Public Utiltities Commission will convene the second ZNE Residential Stakeholder Meeting on March 13th at the CPUC. The workshop agenda includes:
- Presentation of ZNE Residential Survey results
- Introduction on ZNE Residential Action Plan process
- Review of Initial Vision Framework and goals
- Refinement of Vision & Identification of Priorities
- BEopt Tool Presentation (Optional 2:00-4:00 pm)
Documents from the March 13 meeting will be posted online following the meeting, including a summary of the ZNE Residential Survey Results. For materials from the Nov 28th ZNE Res Stakeholder meeting visit the CPUC website. For more information: on the ZNE Residential Action Plan contact Cathleen Fogel; for information on upcoming ZNE Commercial Action Plan meetings please contact Jordana Cammarata. Integrated Energy Policy Report
The 2012 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) Update was adopted at the California Energy Commissions's February 13, 2013 Business Meeting. The IEPR is in response to Senate Bill 1389 which requires the California Energy Commission to: "[C]onduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The Energy Commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state's economy, and protect public health and safety."
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Innovative Buildings | |
Photo Credit:Miller Hull Partnership
Bullitt Center
Touted as the "greenest commercial building in the world," the Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, is set to have it's grand opening on Earth Day next month. The new 6-story, 50,000 square foot Center is a project of the Bullitt Foundation, which used an integrated design process to help create one of the most energy-efficient buildings ever designed. Using a "performance-based design" approach, the building is aiming for Living Building Challenge certification, which includes achieving zero net energy status. According to Miller Hull Architects, the outcome represents a prototype for ultra-efficient, green urban buildings.
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Other Announcements | |
NESEA Zero Net Energy Building Awards: Sustainable building's magic number: zero
According to the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) website, "the Zero Net Energy Building Award is the annual search for the best building in the Northeast that captures as much energy as it consumes. By 'best' we mean one that offers not only efficiency, but ideally also comfort, affordability, reliability, and elegance. Because 95 percent of construction is rehab, we strongly encourage submission of retrofit projects as well as new buildings."
The 2013 prize will be announced at the March 2013 BuildingEnergy conference. "The zero net energy target is easily defined, readily understood, and measurable. And unlike more abstract concepts of energy efficiency and building performance, it has captured the public imagination. When we unveiled the award-with its $10,000 prize-in 2007, not one entrant met the rigorous requirements. But with each passing year, more fit the bill. We know how to build the buildings of the future, and increasingly, we're doing it."
For more information: visit the Zero Net Energy Award webpage
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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 at heather@newbuildings.org. |
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