To speed the transition to zero carbon emissions, the U.S. must focus on designing or redeveloping entire communities that are zero energy, according to Charles Kutscher, a long-time energy efficiency researcher.
Tackling building energy use at the district level provides economies of scale in heating and cooling. Used on some U.S. college and other campuses, systems with a central plant that burns natural gas to heat water, which then is circulated to the various buildings, are more efficient than dedicated systems for each building.
To achieve zero carbon emissions, the latest strategy for district systems uses an ambient temperature loop that “simultaneously and efficiently both heats and cools different buildings,” Kutscher writes. “Heat pumps at individual buildings or other points along the ambient loop add or extract heat from the loop. They can also move heat between deep geothermal wells and the circulating water.”
National research labs and other project partners are developing an open source software development kit called URBANopt that models elements of zero energy districts. These can include building efficiency/demand flexibility strategies, rooftop photovoltaic arrays, and ambient loop district thermal systems. The software can be integrated into other computer models to aid in design of zero energy communities.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2019
Mass. governor proposes real estate transfer fee hike for climate resiliency projects
Opposed by real estate and trade groups, plan could generate $1 billion in next decade.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2019
New York City will reform construction bid process
Streamlined process intended to improve efficiency, reduce hassle for bidders.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2019
New AGC program aims to diversify construction workforce
More diversity needed to keep pace with demand for workers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2019
Registration now open for LEED v4.1 for New Construction and Interior Spaces
Emphasizes human health and integrative building design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2019
AEC professionals should push for net zero projects
Educate and lead clients to more sustainable choices, says LEED fellow.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2019
OSHA unaffected by federal government shutdown
Agency fully funded for first nine months of 2019.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2019
Hackers can easily take control of construction cranes
Potential for serious harm is real, say researchers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2019
Initiative will introduce open-source software for commercial and public building retrofits
Energy analysis tool will identify energy efficiency opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2019
Texas city sues developer over changes in $1 billion mixed-use project
Revised plan eliminated 8-acre lagoon, trolley, show fountain, and reduced retail space.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019
First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released
Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.