Net zero emissions buildings represent a groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture, aiming to completely offset their carbon emissions over their operational lifespan. These innovative structures harness a combination of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient design principles, and advanced technologies to minimize their carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality. In this article, we will go over how net zero construction is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Net Zero and the Green Revolution
In 2008, Thomas Friedman’s book, “Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How It Can Renew America” envisioned a future where the U.S. could fully embrace green energy. The book was ahead of its time.
The green revolution is still a work in progress, but the U.S. now has a new Clean Energy Plan. Recent initiatives like the Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization are moving the nation toward a greener future.
What about net zero buildings? At DMA Engineering, we believe it’s possible to achieve net zero construction and help buildings become better members of society.
What Is Net Zero Construction?
Net zero energy buildings generate as much energy as they consume, canceling out their impact on the environment. With energy-efficient features and expertly designed systems, they minimize the use of scarce resources, lower utility bills, and allow buildings to maintain greater comfort and stability.
The net zero construction process begins long before breaking ground at the building site. It involves energy modeling and commissioning to plan every detail of the building’s systems and design.
These structures don’t just conserve energy. They generate it on-site, producing enough clean power to offset the building’s energy use and minimize its environmental impact.
Net Zero Construction Main Features
Net-zero construction embodies a paradigm shift in sustainable building practices, characterized by five key features that prioritize energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and carbon neutrality.
1. High-Performance Insulation
Insulation should exceed standard codes to provide a protective layer against energy loss. As a result, the building feels enjoyable and works efficiently.
2. Tight Building Envelope
A net zero building has a very tight envelope without unnecessary energy loss through windows, walls, the roof, or the foundation.
3. Energy-Efficient HVAC System
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is highly efficient with sensors that carefully modulate airflow.
4. Renewable Energy
A renewable energy system creates enough energy to balance consumption. This may be achieved through solar power, wind turbines, geothermal systems, and more.
5. Smart Technology
Automation and digitization have allowed buildings to take a major step forward in achieving net zero energy use. Every system from lighting to HVAC can be customized and optimized.
Why Does the World Need More Net Zero Construction?
In a future where climate change is a daily reality, buildings must contribute to the mission of sustainability. Efficient buildings not only help occupants feel more comfortable but also reduce the global impact of humans on the environment.
Utility costs are constantly rising. Many areas of the U.S. have seen energy bills steadily increasing over the past decade. Some states’ residents are struggling with energy bills that have tripled since 2020.
On Earth Day 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new Coalition for Green Capital to address the urgent need for energy cost control. The $62.45 million plan creates incentives to develop and use sustainable technology like solar power. Net zero structures will be playing a key role in the plan.
Net Zero Cost and Value Considerations
An efficient building isn’t necessarily an expensive one—quite the opposite. While initial costs are sometimes marginally higher than traditional buildings, long-term savings quickly become apparent.
As we look to the future in the built environment, we can no longer view a building’s energy consumption as something that has to have an immediate or short-term return on investment (ROI). In many cases, such as with fuel costs, there is no ROI. Natural gas is the cheapest fuel, but you’ll burn it as inefficiently as possible when making decisions solely on ROI.
ROI is no longer the sole decision factor. Every business and building owner should consider the full value of their investment and the full impact of their business on the environment.
Investors and consumers alike must make decisions consciously with environmental stewardship in mind. Make a carbon calculation and consider the true return on investment when you factor in the carbon impact.
Buildings are an asset class. They can be energy producers, not just energy consumers.
Examples of Successful and Sustainable Net Zero Buildings
In net zero buildings, efficiency balances each unit of energy consumed. Every day brings new energy savings. Here are a few examples of net zero in action with the help of DMA Engineering.
First Universalist Church
The church funded a ground source heat pump system for better heating and cooling, plus building-wide improvements like energy recovery ventilation and LED lighting. Today, the church community enjoys a comfortable and welcoming net-zero space.
White Hawk Ranch
One of Boulder County’s largest ranches now has radiant cooling technology, ground source pumps, energy recovery units, and a highly efficient new control system. It has an impressive Home Energy Rating System (HERSⓇ) rating of zero.
Eagle’s Nest Early Learning Center
This non-profit childcare center worked with DMA Engineering on energy modeling and the design of a new solar hot water system, geothermal pump system, and radiant flooring. The building is now safer and healthier for the community’s children.
Denver, Colorado private residence
A 6,000-plus square foot home in Denver now has a new ground source heat pump, ground loop heat exchanger, solar thermal panels, energy recovery ventilators, radiant zones, and a radiant wall. This beautiful luxury home is poised to achieve net zero.
DMA Engineering: Building a More Efficient Future
The future doesn’t have to be “hot, flat, and crowded,” as described in Friedman’s book. DMA Engineering is helping build a world with a healthy balance of energy creation and consumption.
Explore efficiency solutions for your building by contacting DMA Engineering today.