Net Zero Energy Buildings

This book presents 18 in-depth case studies of net zero energy buildings―low-energy building that generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year―for a range of project types, sizes, and U.S. climate zones. Each case study describes the owner’s goals, the design and construction process, design strategies, measurement and verification activities and results, and project costs.

With a year or more of post-occupancy performance data and other project information, as well as lessons learned by project owners and developers, architects, engineers, energy modelers, constructors, and operators, each case study answers the questions:

• What were the challenges to achieving net zero energy performance, and how were these challenges overcome? How would stakeholders address these issues on future projects?
• Are the occupants satisfied with the building? Do they find it comfortable? Is it easy to operate?
• How can other projects benefit from the lessons learned on each project?
• What would the owners, designers, and constructors do differently knowing what they know now?

A final chapter aggregates processes to engage in and pitfalls to avoid when approaching the challenges peculiar to designing, constructing, and owning a net zero energy building.

By providing a wealth of comparable information, this book which will flatten the learning curve for designing, constructing, and owning this emerging building type and improve the effectiveness of architectural design and construction.

Linda Reeder, FAIA, LEED AP is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Science and Technology of Central Connecticut State University. She practiced as an architect for more than a decade before becoming a professor in the Construction Management program. She has previously published a book and numerous articles on sustainable design and construction.