Reeder - Net zero energy buildings: case studies and lessons learned

First published 2016

by Routledge

2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN

and by Routledge

711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2016 Linda Reeder

The right of Linda Reeder to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Reeder, Linda (Architect), author.

Net zero energy buildings : case studies and lessons learned / Linda Reeder.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-138-78123-8 (hardback : alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-1-315-64476-9

(ebook : alk. paper) 1. Sustainable buildings. I. Title.

TH880.R434 2016

720.47--dc23

2015036538

ISBN: 978-1-138-78123-8 (hbk)

ISBN: 978-1-315-64476-9 (ebk)

Typeset in Avenir 9/12 pt

by Fakenham Prepress Solutions, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8NN

Linda Reeders book comes along at an exciting timebuilding design professionals have committed to achieving net zero energy in their projects but need to know more about how to design for it. Reeder presents detailed case studies of projects that cover a range of building types, sizes and geographic locations, and all have been measured to perform at net zero energy or better. Her practical and readable study is a clear and solid contribution to the literature of change we need to build a clean energy future.

Edward Mazria, Founder and CEO of Architecture 30

Net Zero Energy Buildings provides a broad look at the current state of the net zero energy building movement. Linda Reeder highlights all the seminal early-21st-century net zero projects, from new large office buildings, historic retrofits, to K-12 schools across a range of climate zones in the US. Not only does Reeder provide 18 case studies to show cost effective and mainstream net zero projects in operations, but she also provides unique insights into common best practices critical for any owner or designer looking to go net zero in their next project.

Shanti Pless, Senior Research Engineer, NREL

Net Zero Energy Buildings provides exactly the kind of information designers, builders, and building owners need today: detailed, technical information on how net-zero-energy performance is being achieved in state-of-the-art buildings. The 18 inspiring projects that Linda Reeder profiles here are reshaping our understanding of what is possible in creating green, sustainable buildings that will help us achieve a carbon-neutral future. This superb book adds immeasurably to the literature on net zero energy buildings.

Alex Wilson, President, Resilient Design Institute

River Falls, Wisconsin

The St. Croix Valley (SCV) Habitat for Humanity developed this 18-home community out of a sense of responsibility to both the environment and their homebuyers. We began the Eco-Village project recognizing that sustainability is essential to achieving truly affordable homes, said Executive Director David Engstrom. Before beginning this community, the small affiliate had typically constructed only one or two homes each year. (See for a project overview.)

: Project overview

The Eco-Village is pursuing LEED for Homes Platinum certification as well as net zero energy performance. These high-profile goals got the attention of manufacturers and local suppliers. Among the products and materials donated to the project were Fujitsu mini-split systems and Uponor radiant floor, fire sprinkler, and plumbing PEX piping systems. Without these and other in-kind and financial donations, the performance and sustainability goals would not have been attainable. Taking into account the value of donations, the cost per square foot in the first ten homes was as much as two times that of a conventional SCV Habitat for Humanity home.

Habitats approach to sustainability is focused on keeping maintenance and operating costs low. Metal roofs and LP SmartSide trim and lap siding (pre-painted, with 12-year warranty against repainting) help meet this goal. The metal standing seam roofs also allow for mounting PV panels to the roof with S-clips instead of using a rack or penetrating the roofing material.

There are other sustainable features besides durable materials and energy efficiency. The site features rain gardens and driveways made from pervious pavers manufactured with fly ash. Storm water runoff from the road is expected to run under the sidewalk and percolate into the ground. Rainwater is collected in a cistern and used for the community garden, car washing, and irrigating lawns. Low-VOC materials are used inside the home, and ventilation exceeds requirements.