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
| Jan 4, 2012
New LEED Silver complex provides space for education and research
The academic-style facility supports education/training and research functions, and contains classrooms, auditoriums, laboratories, administrative offices and library facilities, as well as spaces for operating highly sophisticated training equipment.
| Jan 3, 2012
Gilbane awarded $88M Contract for Ohio elementary school construction
The new award, which comprises the construction of five new elementary schools and demolition of 11 older facilities, is the latest K-12 building program managed by Gilbane for the Ohio School Facilities Commission since 1998.
| Jan 3, 2012
AIA Course: New Developments in Concrete Construction
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Dec 20, 2011
Aragon Construction leading build-out of foursquare office
The modern, minimalist build-out will have elements of the foursquare “badges” in different aspects of the space, using glass, steel, and vibrantly painted gypsum board.
| Dec 16, 2011
Stalco Construction converts Babylon, N.Y. Town Hall into history museum
The project converted the landmark structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places into the Town of Babylon History Museum at Old Town Hall.
| Dec 12, 2011
Skanska to expand and renovate hospital in Georgia for $103 Million
The expansion includes a four-story, 17,500 square meters clinical services building and a five-story, 15,700 square meters, medical office building. Skanska will also renovate the main hospital.
| Dec 12, 2011
CRSI design awards deadline extended to December 31
The final deadline is extended until December 31st, with judging shortly thereafter at the World of Concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
Energy performance starts at the building envelope
Rainscreen system installed at the west building expansion of the University of Arizona’s Meinel Optical Sciences Center in Tucson, with its folded glass wall and copper-paneled, breathable cladding over precast concrete.
| Dec 10, 2011
Turning Balconies Outside In
Operable glass balcony glazing systems provide solution to increase usable space in residential and commercial structures.
| Dec 10, 2011
BIM tools to make your project easier to manage
Two innovations—program manager Gafcon’s SharePoint360 project management platform and a new BIM “wall creator” add-on developed by ClarkDietrich Building Systems for use with the Revit BIM platform and construction consultant—show how fabricators and owner’s reps are stepping in to fill the gaps between construction and design that can typically be exposed by working with a 3D model.
