Net Zero Energy Buildings

The New York Academy of Sciences presents a panel discussion on net zero energy buildings on January 25, 2011.

Net Zero Energy Buildings: Moving from Demonstration Projects to the Mainstream

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The New York Academy of Sciences

Presented by the Green Buildings Discussion Group

Since the completion of the Lewis Center at Oberlin College in 1999, which at 13,000 sf was at that time the largest net zero energy building (nZEB) in the country, the green building community has been conceptualizing and developing strategies to scale up nZEBs and make them more commonplace within the industry. Yet, for years energy neutral buildings have remained rarities and typically have been low-intensity use buildings under 15,000sf.

The recent completion of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research Support Facility (RSF)—a 220,000 sf office and lab building with a data center in Golden, CO—has led to new optimism. The NREL-RSF is a testament to a new level of performance, and to an approach to design and construction that rewards cooperation and respects the expertise of all team members. Dr. Paul Torcellini of NREL will describe the design process, which included an analysis and rethinking of occupant behavior and office interiors and led to an innovative building design with unique features that allow the building to operate as an nZEB. Building on this insight into the inspiring work of the NREL-RSF team, Bert Gregory of Mithun will discuss his firms' involvement in net zero energy buildings and neighborhoods such as the Lloyd Crossing and Project Green planning efforts. He will present inspiring projects that are achieving new levels of sustainability in a challenging marketplace and will provide expert insights into metrics, best practices, trends, and prospects in the realm of low/net zero energy buildings. 

Panel Agenda

Organizers

Chris Garvin, Terrapin Bright Green
Catherine Pfeiffenberger, Skanska

Moderator

Chris Garvin, Terrapin Bright Green

Speakers

Bert Gregory, Mithun
Paul Torcellini, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Networking reception to follow.

via nyas.org