Although nearly 1/3 of US commercial office space is in buildings smaller than 25,000 square feet, net-zero energy(NZE) dialogue and research on small office buildings is hard to come by. Utilizing a comparative study of a standard small office building design and an optimized NZE version, this presentation explores the barriers and opportunities for NZE for small office buildings. Energy and cost models for both designs are unpacked to demonstrate the financial case for energy efficiency/NZE. Along the way some of the critical ways our design approach should change to smartly meet the challenge of NZE emerge.
Versions of this presentation have been given at the ILFI Living Future (un)conference, PHIUS North American Passive House Conference, Sustainable Energy Fund Energy Path Conference, Montgomery County Energy Summit, and Green Building United.
Presenters: Drew Lavine + Scott Kelly, Re:Vision Architecture
