Getting to Zero: Net Zero Carbon Case Studies

California has long been a leader in sustainable practices and pushing design boundaries in climate action. California’s Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan for commercial buildings mandates that beginning in 2030, all new commercial buildings and major renovations of existing buildings need to achieve zero net energy (ZNE) performance and support grid optimization. To meet the state's definition of net zero, a building (or campus, or community) must offset the energy it drains from the grid with an approximately equal amount of renewable energy generated on-site. The plan seeks to improve access to clean air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource dependency.

In recognition of these new standards, beginning with the 2023 Renewal Cycle, California architects must take 5 hours of coursework in Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) in order to renew their license, further perpetuating the need for zero net carbon education.

As the profession as a whole changes the way it designs, builds, and maintains buildings, AIA San Diego is proud to promote sustainable practices and provide year-long educational opportunities through our Committee On The Environment. Although we still have a few years until 2030, designers and architects in our region have already been raising the bar when it comes to energy efficiency. Take a look at these case studies in our region, and the methods employed to achieve low-impact, healthy and efficient buildings.

East County Offices and Archives

The Miller Hull Partnership

As the first ZNE archive facility in the U.S., the East County Office & Archives sets a new standard, showing that net-zero preservation is possible and powerful. In this bright and welcoming office, user experience and energy efficiency are at the forefront, earning the project LEED Gold status.

CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS, MARY D. NICHOLS CAMPUS

ZGF Architects

The California Air Resources Board is the largest and most advanced vehicle emissions testing and research facility in the world. As a reflection of this vision, the campus design is built to be the largest true net-zero energy facility of its type. This LEED Platinum design meets all CalGreen Tier 2 building standards. Learn more in this climate action case study by AIA California.

The Borrego Springs Library

RNT Architects

Located in the heart of the California desert, this project offsets the desert heat with many energy-saving principles, including solar shading, significant daylight harvesting, an energy-efficient, and durable building envelope, and on-site renewable power production. The zero-net energy project was awarded the AIA San Diego Savings By Design energy efficiency Design Award in 2019.

County of San Diego North Coastal Live Well Health Center Building

HMC Architects

Located in Oceanside, this Zero Net Energy facility establishes a high-performance building through solar energy, natural ventilation, and thoughtful landscape design. The facility, which has already achieved LEED Platinum Certification, is the only ZNE project listed in California that is a County-owned medical office. The project took the AIA San Diego Savings By Design in Energy Efficiency Design Award home in 2019.

DPR Construction San Diego Office

BNIM, Callison

This ambitious office project employs energy-saving strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation, HVAC lighting systems, and renewable energy sources. Its achievements in Net Zero energy earned the project LEED platinum status, the first commercial building to receive the honor in San Diego.

The Miller Hull Partnership San Diego Studio

The Miller Hull Partnership

Solar energy is the driver behind the energy-efficient renovation of Miller Hull’s bayside office. The inspiring workplace takes full advantage of San Diego’s mild climate, with large operable windows providing natural ventilation. The offices are Zero Energy certified and are the first Living Building Challenge-Certified project in San Diego County.

CAL Trans District 11 HQ

Carrier Johnson + Culture

Located in San Diego’s Old Town district, this large-scale civic project achieved LEED Gold through its energy-efficient design and has since been named a Zero Energy verified building.

Pine Avenue Community Center and Park

RNT Architects

To achieve the city’s Net Zero goals, passive solar design strategies and renewable energy are incorporated into this coastal city works project, located in Carlsbad. AIA San Diego recognized the project in 2022 for its sustainable performance.

Source

https://newbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NBI_GTZ-_List_2020.pdf