ZERO CARBON STRATEGIES
As awareness of Global Warming increases, it is important to understand the concept of “zero carbon energy”. Buildings consume more than 70 percent of the electricity generated by US power plants and produce nearly half the greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide), according to the Energy Information Administration. Since carbon emissions are a direct result of burning non-renewable fossil fuel, a “net zero” carbon building is one that produces as much renewable energy on site, on an annual basis, than it consumes in non-renewable energy.
Following, are some strategies for off setting carbon emissions by lowering the building energy loads and producing renewable energy on site.
As awareness of Global Warming increases, it is important to understand the concept of “zero carbon energy”. Buildings consume more than 70 percent of the electricity generated by US power plants and produce nearly half the greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide), according to the Energy Information Administration. Since carbon emissions are a direct result of burning non-renewable fossil fuel, a “net zero” carbon building is one that produces as much renewable energy on site, on an annual basis, than it consumes in non-renewable energy.
Following, are some strategies for off setting carbon emissions by lowering the building energy loads and producing renewable energy on site.
- ORIENTATION
- Passive Solar Orientation
- Sun Screening
- LIGHTING
- Natural Daylight
- LED and Compact Fluorescent Lighting
- INSULATION
- Efficient Building Envelope (limit air infiltration)
- High Performance Windows
- Dense Pack Insulation
- HEATING AND COOLING
- Natural Ventilation
- Building Mass Heat Storage
- Geothermal Heat Exchangers (heat pumps)
- CONSUMPTION
- Low Wattage Fixtures
- Energy Star Appliances
- Rain Water Retention for Landscape use
- POWER GENERATION
- Solar Power Generators (photovoltaic panels (PV))
- Wind Power Generators (turbines)
- MATERIALS
- Sustainable / Renewable Resource (recycled denim insulation)
- Energy Efficient Manufacturing Techniques
- Eliminate Emissions from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)