A Guide to Zero Energy and Zero Energy Ready K-12 Schools

Abstract

Richardsville Elementary, the first zero energy public school in the United States, operates at an EUI of kBtu/ft2•yr, and produces more energy than it uses. The district receives an annual refund from the electric utility of more than $30,000 for the excess generation. Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, Photo by Joshua White

Evaluating Energy Targets and Efficiency Measures in Multifamily Subtropical Buildings through Automated Simulation

“…Though not yet commonly applied, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) zero energy design guide recommends the following standards: compare the EUIs of peer buildings; identify energy intensive building components; set an overall goal to achieve an EUI; and create an energy model very early in the design process (Torcellini et al 2019). The next recommendation is to include energy goals identified in this analysis in the request for proposals and contract for building design and construction (Torcellini et al 2019).…”

“…Though not yet commonly applied, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) zero energy design guide recommends the following standards: compare the EUIs of peer buildings; identify energy intensive building components; set an overall goal to achieve an EUI; and create an energy model very early in the design process (Torcellini et al 2019). The next recommendation is to include energy goals identified in this analysis in the request for proposals and contract for building design and construction (Torcellini et al 2019). Establishing a wholebuilding absolute target EUI, as opposed to targeted percent reductions compared to a baseline building, offers benefits including time saved in developing a baseline building model, a clear target, and an easier comparison to operational performance (Torcellini et al 2019).…”

“…The next recommendation is to include energy goals identified in this analysis in the request for proposals and contract for building design and construction (Torcellini et al 2019). Establishing a wholebuilding absolute target EUI, as opposed to targeted percent reductions compared to a baseline building, offers benefits including time saved in developing a baseline building model, a clear target, and an easier comparison to operational performance (Torcellini et al 2019). An example application of a target EUI approach is the 2015 Commercial Seattle Energy Code which includes an alternative compliance path to establish a design EUI that requires validation during operation (Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections 2015).…”

The first field application of a low-cost MPC for grid-interactive K-12 schools: Lessons-learned and savings assessment

“…As a result, MPC strategies in the literature which typically require numerous sensors and complex data communication networking, are often unaffordable for many schools. 2) There are many stakeholders such as teachers, facility operators, energy managers, school boards, and utility companies in K-12 schools [29,30]. When some of them are not familiar with new technology and the benefits are not clear, they may be reluctant to invest in or implement even mature technology.…”