Converted Bank Becomes First Commercial Net-Zero Energy, Net-Zero Emissions Building

摘要

In 2005, when Integrated Design Associates (IDeAs), an electrical engineering and lighting design services firm, bought a 7,200-sf, '60s-era bank branch in San Jose, Calif., the firm's principals had a clear intent: to turn the windowless concrete structure into a unique headquarters building. After consulting with the Building Team—EHDD Architecture, Rumsey Engineers, and Hillhouse Construction—the firm's principals, David and Stephania Kaneda, charged the team with turning this ordinary structure into a net-zero energy, net-zero emissions "Z~2" showcase. This was accomplished using a full complement of sustainable design techniques and renewable energy from building-integrated PVs to meet 100% of the facility's energy requirements, with no use of fossil fuels and no greenhouse gas emissions. Johnson Controls' designed the HVAC system to maximize performance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. The energy efficiency of the HVAC system and building envelope delivers a building that uses less than 25% of the energy consumed by the average commercial buildings of similar size.