The shift to zero energy buildings is an incremental process that requires researchers and building professionals to work together to improve building energy performance.
ASHRAE is taking the lead by publishing—in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and with financial and technical support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)—a new series of advanced energy design guides (AEDGs) focused on zero energy buildings.
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings: Achieving Zero Energy (K–12 ZE AEDG) is the first in the series.
“This comprehensive guide was developed by a team of zero energy experts that bring building science and practical application together to create an achievable goal of zero energy schools,” says Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., Member ASHRAE, who is the project committee chair. “The guide builds upon the popular 50% advanced energy design guide series with new and updated recommendations on energy efficiency. Additionally, it provides guidance for on-site renewable energy generation and establishes a set of energy performance goals for achieving zero energy. The goals are provided for all ASHRAE climate zones, in both site and source energy.”
The Guide provides case studies, technical examples and how-to tips to address specific project needs including building and site planning, envelope, daylighting, electric lighting, plug loads, kitchens and food service, water heating, HVAC and renewable generation.
All the AEDGs are free downloads from ASHRAE.