Notes on Green Buildings and Net Zero Energy

Introduction

• Sponsored by Brilliant
• Focus on reducing energy consumption through building design
• Innovative ideas: smart windows, walls made from fungus
• Goal: explore green buildings and net zero impact

Current State of Buildings

• Major contributor to pollution and energy use
• Lighting, heating, cooling, and insulation contribute to energy demand
• Buildings accounted for 28% of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019

Innovations in Building Design

Green Buildings

• Designed for positive environmental impact
• Combine energy efficiency with renewable energy
• Focus on quality of life
• Certification programs:
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (US)
  • BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) (UK)

Zero Energy Buildings

• Utilize on-site renewable energy (e.g., solar panels)
• Aim to produce as much energy as consumed
• Strategies:
  • Integrate green roofs
  • Use energy-efficient windows and insulation
  • Minimize heating, cooling, and lighting needs

Advanced Building Design Techniques

• Use of software for 3D energy simulations:
  • Green Building Studio
  • EnergyPlus
  • IES Energy Modeling
• Optimize designs through climate analysis and HVAC simulations

Examples of Green Buildings

The Crystal (London)

• Achievements: Platinum LEED, outstanding BREEAM accreditation
• 70% illuminated by natural light; solar panels cover 20% of electricity needs
• Collects and reuses rainwater, uses non-potable sources for toilets
• Saves about 71% CO2 emissions compared to equivalent buildings
• Annual savings of £500,000 on energy costs

Bullitt Center (Seattle)

• Structure mainly from heavy timber, sourced locally
• Features:
  • Triple-glazed curtain wall system
  • Closed-loop geothermal system
  • Rainwater storage of 56,000 gallons
• Saves approximately 80% of water use compared to standard buildings

One Embankment Place (London)

• Zero-energy retrofitting of a 1990s building
• Utilizes tri-generation system fueled by recycled vegetable oil
• Emits 40% less carbon than typical buildings
• Cost savings of £14 million in energy and carbon costs

Powerhouse Jorbo (Norway)

• Retrofitted office buildings from the 1980s
• Reduced energy needs by more than 86%
• Produces 230,000 kWh while consuming only 100,000 kWh

Market Outlook

• Global net-zero energy building market valued at $896 million in 2018
• Expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2024
• Benefits for building owners:
  • Reduced utility bills
  • Increased building valuation
  • Sustainability benefits for occupants

Challenges and Barriers

• Higher upfront costs for zero-energy buildings
• Limited availability of skilled designers/builders
• High-rise buildings have challenges with solar panel installation
• Cost analysis:
  • Net-zero office buildings: 6.2% higher cost through 2025
  • New technologies by 2030: 8-17% higher cost

Government Initiatives

• EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: mandates net-zero for new construction by 2020
• World Green Building Council: Net Zero Carbon Buildings commitment
  • 94 businesses, 28 cities, and 6 regions participating

Emerging Technologies

Mycelium as Building Material

• Use of fungal mycelium for walls and insulation
• Biodegradable and non-toxic materials
• Experimental projects, e.g., Hi-Fi project in New York

Smart Glass Technology

• Electrochromic glass adjusts to control heat and light
• Example: View Inc. project for Netflix office
• Customizable and predictive window technology

Conclusion

• Future of green buildings looks promising with ongoing developments
• Striving for a more sustainable urban landscape
• Encouragement for viewer engagement with personal experiences of net-zero buildings.