This course provides architects, engineers, and contractors with practical advice about implementing net-zero energy buildings using brick masonry. AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first, and not to count on renewable energy sources (photovoltaics, wind, etc.) to achieve net-zero status.
They are further advised to do as much as possible in terms of reducing energy consumption in the building, even if renewables are not available or cost too much, with the hope that the building will be "net-zero ready" for future installation of PVs and other renewables.
Brick masonry is shown to be an effective wall system in the design and construction of such a net-zero energy building.
After reading this article, you should be able to:
• Define the term “net-zero energy (NZE) building” and list the basic properties of heat loss and heat gain and their application to the design and construction of NZE buildings.
• Evaluate the typical R-values of masonry walls, the thermal mass properties of brick walls, and their use in net-zero energy buildings.
• Describe various passive solar and active solar techniques (for renewable energy) and their application to net-zero energy buildings.
• Describe thermal bridges that occur in structures, how they degrade the thermal performance of the wall, and why their reduction or elimination is critical to achieving a net-zero energy building.
Take this AIA CES Discovery course at BDCuniversity.com
Related Stories
Brick and Masonry | Oct 7, 2024
A journey through masonry reclad litigation
This blog post by Walter P Moore's Mallory Buckley, RRO, PE, BECxP + CxA+BE, and Bob Hancock, MBA, JD, of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr PC, explains the importance of documentation, correspondence between parties, and supporting the claims for a Plaintiff-party, while facilitating continuous use of the facility, on construction litigation projects.
75 Top Building Products | Apr 22, 2024
Enter today! BD+C's 75 Top Building Products for 2024
BD+C editors are now accepting submissions for the annual 75 Top Building Products awards. The winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Building Design+Construction.
Brick and Masonry | Apr 4, 2024
Best in brick buildings: 9 projects take top honors in the Brick in Architecture Awards
The Ace Hotel Toronto, designed by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, and the TCU Music Center by Bora Architecture & Interiors are among nine "Best in Class" winners and 44 overall winners in the Brick Industry Association's 2023 Brick in Architecture Awards.
Building Tech | Feb 20, 2024
Construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks wins global innovation award
A new construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks made from a renewable composite material took first place for building innovations at the 2024 JEC Composites Innovation Awards in Paris, France.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 13, 2023
75 top building products for 2023
From a bladeless rooftop wind energy system, to a troffer light fixture with built-in continuous visible light disinfection, innovation is plentiful in Building Design+Construction's annual 75 Top Products report.
Affordable Housing | Mar 8, 2023
7 affordable housing developments built near historic districts, community ties
While some new multifamily developments strive for modernity, others choose to retain historic aesthetics.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Sponsored | Brick and Masonry | Oct 4, 2021
Marion Ceramics Tumbled Thin Brick is the Future of the Brick Business
LATICRETE® MVIS™ are designed to deliver superior, long-term performance for interior and exterior applications
Sponsored | Voice of the Brand | Jun 5, 2020
Practice Style Transcendence with Brick
Get inspired! Brick’s adaptability has made it the premier building material for centuries even as styles come and go. Nothing says “classic” like brick, but nothing says “innovative” like brick either. Check out some examples of how fired clay brick remains a major presence in the 21st Century designer’s palette.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 16, 2019
101 Top Products for 2019
Building Design+Construction readers and editors select their top building products for the past 12 months in the fourth-annual 101 Top Products report.
