Net Zero Building Design 401: Intro to Building Envelope & Internal Load Optimization October 24, 2009

This level 400 seminar will introduce Net Zero Energy and its definitions based on energy boundaries. Net Zero Energy is a global phenomenon and currently several notable agencies, associations, cities, states and countries are setting goals to achieve Net Zero. The seminar will provide an overview of such goals, its relevance to existing technology and know-how. In addition, we will discuss buildings that have achieved (or trying to achieve) Net Zero Energy goals, research publications and, more importantly, the lessons that can be learned from the mistakes of the past in approaching Net Zero Energy buildings.

The basic foundation of Net Zero Energy buildings is to achieve minimum load or energy consumption. In this regard, the seminar will discuss an example of how the building envelope and internal loads can be optimized using several analyses such as shadow studies, daylighting & solar access studies and thermal analysis. Issues such as infiltration and its impact on energy flow; building schedules, occupancy, lighting power density (internal), will be discussed.

Official Website: http://www.nexusboston.com/space/events/building-envelope-and-internal-load-optimization.html