Net Zero Challenges, Success and Failure

The challenging goal of innovative net-zero communities is to produce all the energy that they consume. Contractors and residents are working toward not just a smaller carbon footprint, but a tiny one, a proactive stance against depleted natural resources and harm to the environment.

It’s an uphill battle. Though several communities report progress, there have been major setbacks, like the one at Newberg Center at Portland Community College.

Here is a look at wins, losses and ideas that are shaping the future of the net-zero movement.

Why Try for Net-Zero?

More than half the world’s population currently lives in an urban environment, and growing. Cities already consume the vast majority of energy used and produce most of the world’s greenhouse emissions. That means to make progress in the battle against global warming and environmental concerns, the cities are the front line.

One of the most sensible places to start is by making buildings that produce as much energy as they use, a state called zero net energy or ZNE. More than 30% of all greenhouse gases are created by houses, offices and other structures.

The movement has support from new government policies and zoning regulations. With advancing technology and construction guidelines, buildings are getting more efficient with their energy use for heating, cooling and lighting. New construction methods, more efficient materials and the use of solar panels are responsible for major advances.

Where Net Zero Is Working…

At the University of California Davis, the West Village is over 80% toward its goal of 100% ZNE. It is the largest planned community in the U.S. with such a plan. The neighborhood is home to almost 2,000 students, as well as the Honda Smart Home and several research centers.

This living laboratory was opened in 2011. In the following years, a number of studies have tracked energy usage and the behavior of residents and businesses.

The community is working on lowering consumption and increasing output. Right now the buildings have 4.1 megawatts of photovoltaic panels to help with energy needs, which are successfully producing a whopping 102% of what was expected of them.

But this amount handled only 82% of the overall demand. Residents in the community use 88% of the energy used, businesses and offices use 7% and the student center and a maintenance facilities use the remaining 5%.

…And Where It Is Not

However, the Newberg Center at Portland Community College, which also opened in 2011, has been nothing but a cash drain and an energy loser. Innovative roof panels turned out to have structural problems. Made with insulation on both sides, they trapped moisture, resulting in the roof rotting.

The panels had to be replaced within three years of construction, adding more than $3 million to the overall price tag and created a major disruption for student services. Two construction managers had predicted the disaster, but architects and engineers experienced with the new technology overruled them.

An Evolving Science

Clearly, the science behind net-zero energy is still in the learning phase. The Newberg story has been a major warning sign for new planned communities to heed.

New materials are just part of the puzzle. Much of the research is being directed toward environmental basics like siting and orienting structures to take advantage of terrain, as well as methods to bring in as much sunlight as possible. Successful designs are the result of close collaboration among scientists, architects, engineers and contractors.

[Image Credit: Line//Shape//Space]