This book presents 18 in-depth case studies of net zero energy buildings-low-energy building that generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year-for a range of project types, sizes, and U.S. climate zones. Each case study describes the owner's goals, the design and construction process, design strategies, measurement and verification activities and results, and project costs.

With a year or more of post-occupancy performance data and other project information, as well as lessons learned by project owners and developers, architects, engineers, energy modelers, constructors, and operators, each case study answers the questions:

• What were the challenges to achieving net zero energy performance, and how were these challenges overcome? How would stakeholders address these issues on future projects?
• Are the occupants satisfied with the building? Do they find it comfortable? Is it easy to operate?
• How can other projects benefit from the lessons learned on each project?
• What would the owners, designers, and constructors do differently knowing what they know now?

A final chapter aggregates processes to engage in and pitfalls to avoid when approaching the challenges peculiar to designing, constructing, and owning a net zero energy building.

By providing a wealth of comparable information, this book which will flatten the learning curve for designing, constructing, and owning this emerging building type and improve the effectiveness of architectural design and construction.

About the Author
Linda Reeder, FAIA, LEED AP is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Science and Technology of Central Connecticut State University. She practiced as an architect for more than a decade before becoming a professor in the Construction Management program. She has previously published a book and numerous articles on sustainable design and construction.

Reviews

Linda Reeder's book comes along at an exciting time-building design professionals have committed to achieving net zero energy in their projects but need to know more about how to design for it. Reeder presents detailed case studies of projects that cover a range of building types, sizes and geographic locations, and all have been measured to perform at net zero energy or better. Her practical and readable study is a clear and solid contribution to the literature of change we need to build a clean energy future.

Edward Mazria, Founder and CEO of Architecture 2030

Net Zero Energy Buildings provides a broad look at the current state of the net zero energy building movement. Linda Reeder highlights all the seminal early-21st-century net zero projects, from new large office buildings, historic retrofits, to K-12 schools across a range of climate zones in the US. Not only does Reeder provide 18 case studies to show cost effective and mainstream net zero projects in operations, but she also provides unique insights into common best practices critical for any owner or designer looking to go net zero in their next project.

Shanti Pless, Senior Research Engineer, NREL

Net Zero Energy Buildings provides exactly the kind of information designers, builders, and building owners need today: detailed, technical information on how net-zero-energy performance is being achieved in state-of-the-art buildings. The 18 inspiring projects that Linda Reeder profiles here are reshaping our understanding of what is possible in creating green, sustainable buildings that will help us achieve a carbon-neutral future. This superb book adds immeasurably to the literature on net-zero-energy buildings.

Alex Wilson, President, Resilient Design Institute

"...illustrates the potential for renewable energies integrated into building design as applicable to the building site climatic zone, and the solar, wind, and other temperature variables of typical US sites."

Building Engineer, March 2017

Book Information
ISBN 9781138781238
Author Linda Reeder
Format Hardback
Page Count 268
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1020g