Zne toolkit factsheet

5 GREAT NEW TOOLS FOR ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDINGS

ZNE

Tools & Resources For Designers, Decisionmakers, Owners, Policymakers & Champions California has adopted goals for achieving zero net energy (ZNE) for all new residential by 2020 and for all new commercial by 2030, with similar goals for existing commercial buildings. The Governor has also adopted goals for state buildings to achieve ZNE by 2025.

Communications Toolkit

ZNE

Companion Guide

to Zero Net Energy in CA

TOOLS & RESOURCES FOR DECISIONMAKERS, DESIGNERS, OWNERS, POLICYMAKERS, & CHAMPIONS JUNE 2013 DRAFT

To help advance these ambitious goals, New Buildings Institute and partners developed the ZNE Communications Toolkit to help address commonly asked questions, provide consistent messaging around ZNE, and support advocates in advancing zero energy buildings.

These resources can be used to help accelerate market adoption by providing consistent media messaging, educating key audiences about the fundamentals of ZNE, and providing evidence that ZNE is achievable and makes sense for business, schools, and public buildings now.

Frequently Asked Questions, Design Fundamentals, Project Profiles, & Resources for More Information

For more information, visit: newbuildings.org/zne-communications-toolkit If you have questions or would like copies of the ZNE Toolkit, please contact heather@newbuildings.org

Redding School for the Arts | Photo Steve Whittaker

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Please cite the source as: “California ZNE Communications Toolkit, July 2013�

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GREAT NEW TOOLS FOR ZNE BUILDINGS

Zero Net Energy in CA Introduction

ACHIEVEMENT

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& ZNE Schools Public Buildings

ZNE Message Platform

A ZNE building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year

Key messages for target audiences on the what and why of ZNE.

K-12 schools, colleges and public buildings represent key opportunities for local governments to lead on zero net energy policies and practices. As local examples of the feasibility and benefits of ZNE increase, schools and public buildings can educate the broader public about sustainability, green building, and show a commitment to reducing climate impacts.

ZNE performance in these buildings means not only are they less vulnerable to the instability of energy prices, but also more resilient to the impacts of severe weather events. These ZNE buildings can also create safe havens for the community during emergencies as places where the power stays on because these buildings have the ability to generate their own energy.

Marin Country Day School Corte Madera, CA (Photo: Michael David Rose)

“Intro to ZNE” Presentation

Customizable powerpoint presentation provides an overview of California’s goals and policies for ZNE, key strategies, and case study examples.

Chartwell School Seaside, CA (Photo: Michael David Rose)

Many schools have already become leaders in energy efficiency by renovating or building new high performance schools through participation in the Coalition for High Performance Schools (CHPS) program. CHPS is leading a national movement to improve student performance and the entire educational experience by building the best possible schools. Now, further leadership is coming from the California governor’s office through an executive order directing all new state buildings to achieve zero energy building status by 2025.

“The public sector has a responsibility to lead.”

Roadmap to Zero Energy Public Buildings, a report by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP)

Kentucky’s Turkey Foot Middle School was rebuilt as a ZNE school, and now uses 60% less energy than the traditional American middle school.

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ZNE

Turkey Foot Middle School Comparison 2011–2012 Savings of $56,396

ZNE schools and public buildings have lower operating costs, and over time, save money in energy bills that can be spent on services and programs.

Square Footage Annual Energy Cost EUI (kBtu/SF)

Old Turkey Foot

New Turkey Foot

66,523

133,000

199.9%

$94,954

$38,558

59.4%

79.2

13.6

82.8%

Facts for Commercial Building Operators & Owners

Difference

A ZNE building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year

F3 / INVESTING IN ZNE BUILDING OFFERS MULTIPLE BENEFITS. Beyond the environmental benefits of reduced carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, ZNE buildings provide substantive business advantages. ZNE performanc helps reduce exposure to risk by ensuring that an asset is more resilient, has higher employee and tenant retention, and enjoys higher rents.

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Please cite the source as: “California ZNE Communications Toolkit, July 2013”

ZNE Companion Guide/Fact Sheets

ZNE buildings typically rely on more passive strategies such as natural ventilation and daylighting, which means they can be kept cool and interior spaces illuminated even when the power is out. They also have demonstrated reduced operating and equipment replacement costs, which can grow the bottom line while providing valuable brand recognition in a competitive building market.

Brentwood ApartmentsEdmonton, Alberta, Canada (Photo: David Dodge, Green Energy Futures)

Collection of FAQs, resources, design strategies, and key messages for designers, commercial building owners, policymakers, and decisionmakers of schools and public buildings.

F1 / ZERO-NET ENERGY STANDARDS FOR BUILDINGS ARE COMING IN CALIFORNIA. California has set a course to achieve zero-net energy (ZNE) for all new construction and half of the existing building stock in the next two decades. Owners should begin to prepare for this change and can put themselves in a leading position by moving to a ZNE performance goal now.

F2 / ZNE BUILDINGS FOR A NUMBER OF BUILDING TYPES ARE FEASIBLE TODAY. While the market share of ZNE buildings is still small, it’s growing. ZNE is currently feasible in most multi- and single-family homes, schools, smaller office buildings, libraries and other public assembly-type buildings. There are numerous examples around the country, built by a variety of design teams and developers.

Commercial buildings cover a broad array of building types, and information on costs is based on a limited number of buildings. However, some commercial buildings have achieved ZNE within typical construction costs for their building type. Achieving ZNE is based on a careful integrated design process focused on a clear energy performance goal. Most reported examples range from 0% to 10% additional costs.

Resources & More Information Net Zero Energy Design: A Guide for Commercial Architecture. | Tom Hootman, 2012

Zero net energy building projects are located in most U.S. climates. While mild climates—like California— certainly help make zero energy buildings more easily achievable, projects have also been successfully completed in the harsher climates of Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York.

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F4 / THE COST OF ZNE BUILDINGS IS IN LINE WITH THE COST OF GREEN BUILDINGS.

“Getting to Zero 2012 Status Update: A First Look at the Cost and Features of Zero Energy Commercial Buildings” NBI | newbuildings.org/zero-energy “Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes” (Chapter 4 — Analyzing the Business Case). | bdcnetwork.com/2011white-paper-zero-and-net-zero-energy-buildings-homes-0

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Case Studies: ZNE & Ultra-Low Energy Buildings

Photos: Steve Whittaker

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Zero Net Energy Project Profile

Read about ZNE and ultra-low energy building examples, including design strategies, costs, and lessons learned.

K-12 School

OVERVIEW

REDDING SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Site Details

Redding School for the Arts in Northern California connects education and arts for K-8 students in a community of 90,000 people. The school was originally created in August 1999 in response to the rapid decline of arts programs in local schools.

In 2011, the charter school opened a new facility with an ambitious goal of zero net energy, while dedicating only 2% of the budget to renewable energy systems.

In this project, these systems were characterized as photovoltaic solar panels, wind generation and included geothermal bore fields. The two-story, 77,000 square feet building includes classrooms, art rooms, music and dance spaces, a library and information center, a cooking classroom and a technology room.

Building Size: 77,000 SF Location: Redding, California Construction Type: New Construction Year: 2011 Building Type: Education

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CA Climate Zone: 11

Planning & Design Approach

Measured Energy Stats

16 - 8 = 8 BUILDING’S TOTAL EUI

ZNE Action Bulletin

RENEWABLE PRODUCTION EUI

BUILDING’S NET EUI

Site Energy Use Index (EUI) kBtu/SF/year The Energy Equation: the building energy use minus the renewables production equals the net energy of the building. Buildings may be ‘Getting to Zero’ and have a net EUI above zero. If renewable production exceeds energy use its net EUI is below zero (negative) and it is creating surplus energy.

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Overarching project goals were: •

Use the facility as a teaching tool

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Connect the indoor and outdoor environments to create a series of continuous learning spaces

•

Use appropriate solar orientation strategies to maximize daylighting opportunities and take advantage of outside views

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Significantly reduce energy use by locating 39,000 SF of learning space in protected outdoor areas

Energy Efficiency Strategies & Features Daylighting: The design orients classrooms to the north to maximize daylighting with minimal heat and glare. Lighting controls reduce or eliminate electric lighting in response to daylighting to encourage natural light as the primary source of illumination in spaces and ‘learning streets.’

For more information: newbuildings.org/zero-energy

Efficient HVAC: The school utilizes a geothermal HVAC system. Windows are sized and located to provide occupant control and cross air airflow through classrooms.

Project Profile developed by New Buildings Institute ©2013

For more information, visit: newbuildings.org/zne-communications-toolkit

Non-commercial reproduction of this content or use in other materials is allowed.

Please cite the source as: “California ZNE Communications Toolkit, July 2013”