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 | Jun 29, 2015
Rick Fedrizzi to step down as USGBC’s Chief Executive next year
Fedrizzi will be leaving an organization that has grown to 76 chapters. The Washington, D.C.-based USGBC employs 260 people, and last year reported $74.1 million in revenue.
Green | Jun 26, 2015
Training center for electricians in L.A. focuses on net zero technologies
Construction has begun Los Angeles County on what is being called the nation’s largest Net Zero Plus retrofit of a commercial building.
![6 steps toward better water management [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/VanDusen513.026_grassfix_stairfix.jpg?itok=K8oOWak9 "6 steps toward better water management [AIA course]")
Green | Jun 24, 2015
6 steps toward better water management [AIA course]
When it comes to water conservation, Building Teams tend to concentrate on water-efficient plumbing fixtures, irrigation controls, graywater capture, and ways to recycle condensate from air-conditioning systems. Yet many of the best opportunities for saving water begin with big-picture thinking in a project’s earliest phases.
Green | Jun 19, 2015
3 steps toward sustainable landscape architecture
A water-conscious, sustainable landscape is easily achievable, and the options for native and drought tolerant plants far exceed cacti and succulents, writes LPA's Richard Bienvenu.
Green | Jun 18, 2015
‘Solar water’ poised as global solution
Strapped with both water and energy crises, several island nations are investing in solar-powered water plants to attain more resilient water and power sources.
Lighting | Jun 17, 2015
LED lighting: Replaceable or disposable?
While first generation LED lighting fixtures were basically your standard incandescent or fluorescent housing retrofitted with LED light boards, manufacturers have now begun designing fixtures around the LEDs, writes SmithGroupJJR's Michael Nowicki.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2015
Cornell Tech breaks ground on world's first Passive House residential high-rise
To achieve Passive House standards, Cornell Tech Residential will incorporate a number of sustainability-focused design elements. The façade, constructed of a prefabricated metal panel system, acts as a thermally insulated blanket wrapping the building structure.
Green | Jun 10, 2015
GBCI launches rating system for sustainable landscapes
The new SITES rating system can be applied to development projects located on sites with or without buildings, ranging from national parks to corporate campuses, streetscapes and homes, and much more.
Green | Jun 9, 2015
Fuel cell technology makes its way into energy generation
Demand for fuel cells, while modest, is growing, and cost savings are getting noticed.
