Going to Zero

Typically architecture students are only introduced to energy modeling in elective graduate or advanced undergraduate seminars, and when they are introduced to the design of zero net energy, low carbon buildings it is only in upper division studios. Because these courses are typically not required, only a small fraction of architecture students in some universities are actually able to take them. This is not enough. To reduce our impact on climate change we must introduce these concepts to ALL architecture students. This book describes a project done in a required environmental controls course to introduce students to the design of zero net energy buildings using energy modeling. Students first analyzed selected mid century buildings as they were originally designed many years ago, comparing their performance with that of a California Energy Code compliant building (Title 24-2013), and then made all necessary modifications to improve building performance, beyond code, and achieve a net zero energy building.