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
| Aug 11, 2010
70% of Qualified Trade Association Members Attain “Green Brick Specialist” Designation in Comprehensive Training Program
The Brick Industry Association (BIA), the national trade group representing distributors and manufacturers of clay brick and suppliers of related products and services, has announced that 70% of its eligible members have passed the industry’s first-ever online training program, “Sustainability/Green Building Design and Brick.”
| Aug 11, 2010
VAST Enterprises wins "Design for Sustainability"
VAST Enterprises, LLC announced that it won the "Design for Sustainability" Award from the Plastics Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers. VAST received the honor as part of the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Awards competition.
| Aug 11, 2010
Recycled Pavers Elevate Rooftop Patio
The new three-story building at 3015 16th Street in Minot, N.D., houses the headquarters of building owner Investors Real Estate Trust (IRET), as well as ground-floor retail space and 71 rental apartments. The 215,000-sf mixed-use building occupies most of the small site, while parking takes up the remainder.
| Aug 11, 2010
AIA Course: Historic Masonry — Restoration and Renovation
Historic restoration and preservation efforts are accelerating throughout the U.S., thanks in part to available tax credits, awards programs, and green building trends. While these projects entail many different building components and systems, façade restoration—as the public face of these older structures—is a key focus. Earn 1.0 AIA learning unit by taking this free course from Building Design+Construction.
| Aug 11, 2010
AIA Course: Enclosure strategies for better buildings
Sustainability and energy efficiency depend not only on the overall design but also on the building's enclosure system. Whether it's via better air-infiltration control, thermal insulation, and moisture control, or more advanced strategies such as active façades with automated shading and venting or novel enclosure types such as double walls, Building Teams are delivering more efficient, better performing, and healthier building enclosures.
