“Net-Zero Energy Buildings and Homes” White Paper Q&A at AIA

“Zero and Net-zero Energy Buildings + Homes,” a 64-page White Paper that proclaims “the next frontier in the green building movement,” will be the topic of a 1-hr Q&A with 6 “NZEB” experts at the AIA Conference + Expo, Friday, May 13, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Morial Convention Center (Level 2, Room R06), New Orleans.

The 40,000-word report from Building Design+Construction provides a road map for the $350 billion design, construction, and real estate industry to develop “net-zero” buildings and homes that generate as much energy as they use, such as the new Research Support Facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden, Colo.

Robert Cassidy, BD+C’s editorial director, will moderate the discussion with the panel:

• Paul Torcellini, PE, PhD – U.S. Dept of Energy and National Renewable Energy Lab
• Tom Hootman, AIA, LEED AP – RNL Design (Research Support Facility design team)
• Philip Macey, AIA, LEED AP – Haselden Construction (Research Support Facility construction manager)
• Marc L’Italien, FAIA, LEED AP – EHDD Architecture (Exploratorium, Packard Foundation, and several other net-zero energy projects)
• Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED AP – HOK (net-zero carbon prototype)
• David Eijadi, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C – The Weidt Group (environmental building consultant for Science House/Science Museum of Minn., net-zero carbon prototype)

Potential topics of discussion (questions from media representatives are welcome!):

• What did the experts learn from their NZEB experiences? What advice do they have for future NZEB designers, contractors, and building owners/developers?
• How do you measure and monitor the actual performance of NZEBs?
• What’s the “business case” for NZEBs? Do they make financial sense for owners?
• Is there a gulf between what the energy model predicts and actual outcome?
• What are the impediments – technical and otherwise – to producing NZEBs?
• What about net-zero energy (and net-zero carbon) for existing buildings?

The White Paper, along with seven previous reports devoted to green building, is available for free download at www.BDCnetwork.com/whitepapers.

The report was sponsored by Johnson Controls, Lafarge, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Sto Corp., and the U.S. General Services Administration.

Contact: Robert Cassidy, BD+C Editorial Director, rcassidy@sgcmail.com, 847-391-1040 office; 773-220-3555 mobile – Booth 142 at AIA