Net zero refers to achieving an overall balance between carbon-based emissions produced and the removal or offsetting of the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere. Sustainability is defined by one source as “meeting current needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, in the environment we will leave them.”   Taken together, striving to meet these two objectives can result in choices made in project design and project use, resulting in the least harm possible being done to our environment.  

 

Setting buzzwords aside, we will examine a few key principles involved in moving toward ‘net zero.’ The first of these will involve designing buildings that use as little energy as possible, once occupied as intended. The second principle will be generating as much power on-site, or the equivalent thereof, to supply the power still needed and used by the facility. The concepts examined here should provide a few tools to reach toward these goals.

At the end of this course the student will have/be able to/will understand:

An understanding of what is being referred to, when ‘net zero’ is being discussed.  

 

An overview of broad strategies used in designing sustainable buildings.  

 

Identifying sources of more environmentally friendly materials for incorporation in projects.  

 

Why buildings renovated for adaptive reuse are arguably the greenest buildings.  

 

How incorporating passive design principles can reduce future energy use.  

 

Use of the earth’s temperature below the frost line to preheat and precool incoming air.  

 

A good understanding of different options for insulating building envelopes.  

 

How LEED certification can be sought and obtained.  

 

Different ways in which green power can be purchased.  

 

Criteria that can be used in purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates.  

 

The various technologies used to generate power on site from renewable resources.  

 

Steps to be taken in planning for an on-site renewable generation project.  

 

The primary differences between renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets.  

 

How clean water state revolving funds are used to finance conservation projects.