In this two day design event, students of the EDR DesignShift Charrette worked in teams of 5 to collaboratively create a zero-net energy building using a series of methods and tools to develop and quantify their energy savings.

Radiant heating and cooling systems are more energy efficient compared to traditional forced air systems for several reasons.  But let's start at the building occupant since their comfort is one of the main reasons we have the built environment.

BIM is the process of building a 3D data-rich model of all architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems in the building. The model is not only used to design the building and document it for construction, it's also used as the primary tool to create and coordinate design solutions.

Supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores have the second highest energy consumption of major building types in California, with electricity representing over 80% of this, and with energy-intensive refrigeration consuming the greatest fraction of electricity.

In this two day design event, students of the EDR DesignShift Charrette worked through a intense integrated design process to design integrated building solutions to achieve Zero Net Energy (ZNE).

Data centers are driving the growth of many hi-tech industries but a consequence of their rapid increase in capacity is greater consumption of energy and resources, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

In less than 48 hours, students of the EDR DesignShift Charrette worked through a intense integrated design process to design integrated building solutions to achieve Zero Net Energy (ZNE).

Economizers rarely save as much as they should and some waste a lot of energy. Better design, controls, installation, monitoring, and maintenance can help economizers meet their potential.

The California building industry has a new challenge this year. All new building projects must incorporate sustainable design and construction requirements to meet the new California Green Building Code (CALGreen).

Building energy simulation programs have been used for decades to predict energy performance of buildings and the energy savings associated with energy efficiency measures.  Building codes allow the use of simulation programs to provide greater design flexibility in meeting energy performance targets. But what, exactly, is that "energy performance target" and how is it formed?

Solar thermal systems have been used for decades for domestic water heating and space heating. They provide a cost-effective alternative for water heating, and can be also used in larger applications from commercial systems to power plants.

Buildings are dynamic systems, with energy use driven by a significant number of variables that change with time, from the
weather, to usage patterns, to the attributes of the structure itself and the installed equipment. This issue of e-News details the measurement and verification (M&V) process for analyzing energy savings created through the design and operation of efficient buildings, applications of M&V in Energy Management Programs for existing buildings, and discusses measurement and verification via Building Automation Systems.

The Fall 2010 EDR Integrated Design Charrette brought students together from multiple schools and multiple disciplines to delve into two intense days exploring integrated project delivery, integrated design as process and outcome.