Buildings or developments that are verified and certified as “net zero operational energy and/or carbon.” The building should demonstrate the highest levels of energy efficiency with the use of either renewables generated onsite or renewable energy procured offsite.
Arch | Nexus SAC Headquarters has a peak energy production of 15000 kWh, this is achieved with solar panels on roof and parking canopy. These produce 70% more energy than consumed on site. Surplus energy goes back to the Sacramento grid. The building has also achieved net zero water. Rainwater harvesting supplies toilets and irrigates the office’s “Green wall” of interior plant life. Usage is reduced with composting toilets, waterless urinals, and low-flow fixtures. All blackwater is treated on site, and while the office is connected to the city sewer, that connection is not used.
Daylight harvesting lowers energy usage throughout the year, particularly in the summer months. The glazing diffuses harsh direct sunlight into soft light comfortable for illuminating the space. The remaining light is supplied by an LED system. Interior conditioning relies on a combination of natural ventilation, and an air-cooled Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC system. This, in conjunction with efficient workstations that use 1/5 the power of a typical architectural workstation, allows the building to achieve an EUI of 26.2 – less than half that of a typical office building.
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Arch | Nexus SAC Headquarters has a peak energy production:15000 kWh
