Realizing net zero buildings: USGBC Northern California

Imagine a world where all buildings are zero net energy (ZNE). By 2030, this will be a reality for California. New state legislation requires all new commercial buildings to be zero energy by 2030, and for residential, this requirement begins in 2020. The good news is that we have all the technology, financial tools and implementation methods to make zero energy buildings profitable today.

Zero net energy buildings are achievable today. For their new Apprentice Training Center, IBEW Local 595 and NorCal NECA set out to show the industry that ZNE existing building renovations can be a reality today, and their results surpassed their expectations. The upcoming GreenerBuilder Conference will include educational tour sessions of this early 1980s single-story office building, now known as the Zero Net Energy Center (ZNEC).

These sessions, led by Michael Hummel of stok, will highlight the key design and construction features that make this project cost-effective, location-appropriate and a replicable example for other project teams looking to achieve high-performance building results. Michael will also discuss emerging ZNE trends such as triple net zero, resiliency and ZNE Districts.

As consultant for the ZNEC’s energy systems team, Michael will provide insight into the technical solutions and innovative processes used to help this building achieve net zero energy performance for three years running. Having consulted on a half dozen ZNE projects, Michael brings a diverse set of energy and financial analysis skills, integrated system development guidance and project-specific examples of the importance of team relationships and communication dynamics as important elements of high-performance project success.

Attendees will be involved in an open dialogue regarding some of the latest developments in the ZNE movement, including façade-mounted renewables, human behavior modification, building performance feedback systems, hybrid renewables, zero carbon accounting, monitoring-based commissioning and systems tuning. Questions, comments and observations are all welcomed and encouraged, so be sure to sign up for a tour.

stok is a vertically integrated real estate services firm focused on creating a radically better built environment. We balance the financial and performance goals of our projects with social and environmental needs, resulting in restorative buildings, exceptional workspaces, high-performance systems and lasting, trusted relationships with our partners. In all that we do—from tenant representation, project management and strategy to design, certification and quality assurance—we take a broad-thinking, partner-focused approach to solving complex problems. 

http://www.theenergycollective.com/usgbc/2378874/realizing-net-zero-buildings-usgbc-northern-california-4