many regions, but concerns about the upfront cost continue to impede it in the market.”
9. They’re becoming certifi ed. The International Living Future Institute has a new green building certifi cation program it will administer for net zero energy use. There has never been a cer- tifi cation program for net zero buildings prior to this. The net zero certifi cation is based on actual building performance rather than modeled outcomes. Build- ings must be operational for at least a year prior with proven results prior to being certifi ed. Certifi cation verifi es a net zero building is truly
operating as claimed, harnessing energy from the sun, wind or earth to exceed net annual demand. It’s one thing to say a building is zero energy; it’s an- other thing to prove it. Certifi cation provides a plat- form for the building to inform other efforts through- out the world and accelerate the implementation of restorative principles. Certifi cation celebrates this signifi cant accomplishment and differentiates those responsible for the building’s success.
10. There’s help out there. To learn more about attaining net zero building success, the Design Lights Consortium is a good source for high-quality, energy-effi cient, commer- cial lighting design and information. It offers a quali- fi ed products list with current LED lighting fi xtures and their ratings at
www.designlights.org. Deland, Fla.-based Kingspan Insulated Panels
Inc. has two tools, EnvelopeFirst energy effi ciency and Path to Net Zero, to aid in attaining net zero. “We help optimize the envelope with a perfor-
mance model on selected projects; and then we provide a total envelope solution: including pho- tovoltaics on our standing seam roof,” says Paul Bertram Jr., FCSI, CDT, LEED AP, and director of environment and sustainability at Kingspan. “The core product lines are highly insulated wall and roof panel systems with integrated openings, including for windows, doors and more. And the photovoltaic panels are offered also, so it’s basically everything you need for net zero.” Wausau Window and Wall Systems offers an
online “Green Product Selection Tool” at www.
wausauwindow.com intended to provide a one- stop, visual reference to help users rank and com- pare performance information and potential energy savings. This tool allows users to choose from eight cities to view performance data between a set of Wausau products for either new construc- tion or renovation projects. Visitors can gather performance information on annual energy, peak demand, carbon emissions, daylight, glare, conden- sation and cost savings. The DOE's Energy Effi ciency Renewable En-
ergy website,
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/bet- terbuildings, has information for contractors related to building net zero buildings. The DOE’s Net Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative (see sidebar) is a valuable program for a better understanding of how to achieve net zero today. At www.DSIREusa. org, users can look for renewable energy incentives from federal, state, county and utility sources. “For upgrading a building, the Energy Policy Act provides tax credits up to $1.80 per square foot until Decem- ber 2013,” Bertram says.
Delve into a net zero database The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Buildings Database features profi les of com- mercial buildings that produce as much energy as they use over the course of a year. In this database, users can learn more about diverse net zero projects and gain ideas that can be ap- plied to any new building. By simply clicking on a net zero building’s name, users can view in- depth information about a project’s design and construction process, fi nancing, energy use, materials, indoor environment and more. This database is part of the High Perfor-
mance Buildings Database, which lists many additional projects where users can discover more energy-effi cient building techniques. The database collects information from buildings around the world, ranging from homes and commercial interiors, to large buildings and even whole campuses and neighborhoods. These may be certifi ed green projects, or simply projects that have one or more notable environmental features. The information has been reviewed for consistency and presenta- tion, but in most cases, the details have not been independently verifi ed. For more infor- mation, go to
zeb.buildinggreen.com.
The occupant and the owner The energy used in a building can vary greatly depending on the behavior of its occupants. The acceptance of what is considered a comfortable climate varies widely. Studies of identical businesses in the United States have shown dramatic differences in energy use, with some using more than twice the energy of others. Occupant behavior can vary from differ- ences in setting and programming thermostats, varying levels of illumination and hot water, and the amount of miscellaneous electric devices or plug loads used. Because the energy consumption profi le
Because of their ability to reduce thermal transmittance, weatherproof walls can aid net zero building efforts.(Photo courtesy of VantEdge Corp.)
of a very low-energy building differs so much from conventional buildings, building operation and control become very important in hitting net zero goals. “Automated controls are essen- tial for implementation, but it is still important to work with the owner on an operational plan up front as part of the implementation of a low or net zero energy building,” says Justin Harkins, national sales manager at Thermal Design Inc., Stoughton, Wis. “The operational plan must be realistic, meet the owner's busi- ness needs, and have a clear plan for occupant cooperation with implementation.”
www.metalconstructionnews.com
June 2012
METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 23
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