Through its use of photovoltaic panels, water harvesting to irrigate the landscape, radiant floor heating, and geothermal heating and cooling, Toyota of Corvallis, in Corvallis, Ore., is looking to become the first net zero energy auto dealership in the world.
A net zero building is one that, at the end of the year, produced more energy than it used. Any excess energy that is harvested is returned directly to the local power grid to help offset local power demands at peak usage periods.
Gensler, the architect of the 34,8000-sf Corvallis facility, will monitor the building and collect data for the next 14 months to ensure the dealership reaches the lofty goal it has set its sights on. In addition to looking to become a certified net zero energy building, the dealership was constructed to adhere to LEED Platinum standards. There are already a few Toyota dealerships around the country with this certification.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the building occurred in late September and was attended by representatives from both Toyota and Gensler.
"As a design firm committed to constantly raising the bar and leading the charge on the future of sustainable design projects, we are very proud of this project,” says Rick Ferrara, Project Director, Gensler, in a press release. “Not only is Toyota of Corvallis setting a new standard for Toyota, they are leading the industry in a completely new direction."
Related Stories
Green | Jan 28, 2019
This is the country’s greenest academic building
Perkins+Will designed the building.
Sustainability | Nov 5, 2018
How the built environment can help the climate crisis
Our buildings and cities will have to experiment with new climate responsive forms, and in many cases, the built environment will require dramatic shifts to achieve true resilience and continue working towards a carbon-neutral society.
Sustainability | Oct 25, 2018
As project delivery models evolve, designers rethink their role
New York City’s newest university campus, Cornell Tech, pushes the limits of sustainable and resilient design.
Green | Oct 17, 2018
USGBC survey suggests employees are happier, healthier, and more productive in LEED green buildings
Can healthier, more sustainable buildings give employers a hiring edge to attract best in class talent?
Sustainability | Oct 3, 2018
Introducing sustainable design early leads to more resilient projects
Many companies are influenced by the misconception that only some projects can qualify as sustainable.
Sustainability | Sep 18, 2018
Starbucks to build 10,000 “Greener Stores” by 2025
The company is teaming with SCS Global Services and World Wildlife Fund to develop the Greener Stores framework.
Sustainability | Sep 13, 2018
Under-development solar panels snap together and turn waste heat into hot water
The project is being developed at Brunel University London.
Sustainability | Sep 10, 2018
At Penn State, sustainability is more than a goal
The university, encompassing 13 colleges and 24 campuses, adheres to protocols established by the UN.
Green | Aug 15, 2018
What if your neighborhood could make you healthier?
The WELL Community Standard equips planners to build health promotion into the very fabric of neighborhoods.
Energy | Aug 6, 2018
Will California lead the way to energy independence?
The architecture, engineering, and construction industry will have to make major adjustments in the years ahead now that many state, city and local governments are getting serious about creating a carbon neutral buildings sector.