In 2012 the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) completed the construction of a Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF) to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve net zero for a newly constructed house with conventional architecture, amenities, and size compared to homes in the surrounding area.
Conceived as a replicable prototype for family-friendly, energy-efficient urban townhomes, this four-unit project in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood is proving the possibilities for market-rate, high performance housing. Traditionally, highly sustainable housing has been designed on a custom basis, available to customers willing to pay the associated cost premium. This net positive energy project proves that sustainable housing can also be affordable for homeowners, make business sense for developers and help reinvigorate urban neighborhoods.
Existing buildings hold tremendous potential for reducing the overall environmental impact of energy used by buildings. One Atlanta design firm sought to prove the possibilities for energy excellence in an existing building by transforming a 1940s former hardware shop. Located in a historic neighborhood undergoing revitalization, the project also exemplifies the complexities involved and care required to maintain ongoing performance in a living, breathing building.
Sweetwater Spectrum is a new national model for supportive housing, designed to offer life with purpose and dignity for adults on the autism spectrum.
Seventy-six percent of americans live within five miles of a Walgreens store. With such a large footprint, the corporation decided that creating a net zero store was the next logical step to reduce its impact on the environment and to save on energy costs.
Tucked away in the midst of a Canadian suburb is an ordinary-looking neighborhood that may represent the future of sustainable residential heating systems.
When disasters strike, buildings can turn into traps as they did in Hurricane Katrina, or they can provide places of refuge.
What does it take to transform a typical 1980s suburban office building into a modern net zero energy showcase?
When the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore needed to retrofit its three-story building on the BCA Academy campus, it decided to try to make it a net zero energy building despite the challenge of doing so in a hot and humid tropical climate.
At the Oakland University Human Health Building, the focus on wellness is apparent even before stepping inside.
Conditioned by the mountain air and illuminated with ample daylight, the new home of Haywood Community College’s Professional Arts program creates inviting, inspiring spaces for students to create one-of-a-kind works of art.
Thousands of building professionals, educators and students have toured the facility during its 10 years of operation, gaining a new perspective on the possibilities of sustainable design.
The 63,000 ft2 building includes an animal habitat area and was toured by approximately 8,600 students and others in 2012.
The small town of Chrisney, Ind., turned to net zero to overcome financial hurdles and realize the residents’ dream of building a library. The town lost its high school in the 1970s and then its highway due to an expansion and rerouting, and hoped a library would stem the tide of decline. For five years, the small, simple library has served as a source of pride for this shrinking town, providing a resource for information and a community gathering place while producing more electricity than it consumes.
How would using today's LED technology change the classroom design of Richardsville (Ky.) Elementary, the nation's first net zero energy school?
At first glance, the Toledo Museum of Art, graced by its 101-year-old Greek Ionic façade, looks like any typical art museum.
When McCormick & Company wanted to reduce its environmental impact and energy bills, the facility team sought to improve the energy efficiency of its distribution center in Belcamp, Md.
This Canadian police facility demonstrates how innovative sustainable design can significantly reduce energy use and costs while incorporating the security and design requirements ...
Sustainable buildings often feature photovoltaic applications. But, where does research and development of new photovoltaic technologies take place?
It started as a simple remodel. The University of Oregon sought to redesign and add to its existing business school because room sizes were not meeting the needs ...
Twenhofel Middle School provides an education in sustainability both inside and outside the classroom. Students compete to conserve energy ...
Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology demonstrates the affordability of sustainable strategies by ...
Washington University's research and education center outside of St. Louis aims to meet goals of net zero energy and net zero water use.
What appears as an ordinary prefabricated building produces from renewable energy all the electricity needed to run an approximately 42,000 ft2 commercial ...
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