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
| Sep 26, 2012
Contractors save $9 billion due to revised California emissions rule
The California Air Resources Board made changes to a rule limiting off-road diesel emissions that could result in contractors saving about $9 billion.
| Sep 20, 2012
Smithtown, N.Y. considers bigger fines for building code violations
After a Suffolk County grand jury recommended stiffer fines for illegal demolitions, Smithtown, NY officials are weighing tougher penalties for developers who violate the town building code.
| Sep 20, 2012
AGC awarded federal grant to provide fall-protection safety program
The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide fall protection safety training next year after being awarded a federal safety grant.
| Sep 20, 2012
East Lansing officials accused of ignoring unauthorized project that led to partial building collapse
The unauthorized construction of a fifth-floor penthouse on a downtown East Lansing, Mich. mixed-use development led to a partial building collapse earlier this year.
| Sep 20, 2012
Reflective roofs could reduce rainfall in Arizona
Green standards may have to take into account the impact of reflective roofs on rainfall in the desert Southwest.
| Sep 20, 2012
Earth Advantage Institute offers green certification for small commercial buildings
Earth Advantage Institute announced a new green building certification aimed at new or substantially remodeled small commercial buildings built to green standards.
| Sep 14, 2012
To create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, Chicago unveils safety plan
As more urban mixed-use and residential developments aim to encourage residents to walk and use mass transit, cities are addressing pedestrian safety.
| Sep 14, 2012
Worker killed in Brooklyn building collapse; overloaded floor decking blamed
One worker was killed after he and others plunged 40 feet through an unfinished upscale Brooklyn townhouse building.
| Sep 14, 2012
NRCA University offers photovoltaic class
NRCA University will offer a class called “Photovoltaic Roof Systems: Energizing Your Business” Oct. 16 in Philadelphia.
| Sep 14, 2012
Costa Rica’s strict building codes prevent major damage in powerful quake
The relatively little damage from a 7.6 earthquake was due in large part to strict building codes in Costa Rica, a country that has long enjoyed more stability, better governance, and stronger economic development than many of its Central American neighbors.
