Net Zero Energy Construction Analysis

This project involved construction of a three-story, 38,176-square-foot, high-tech incubator. The building has coworking, lab, and light-manufacturing space.

Erdman Anthony provided for the project an energy analysis, in support of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) New Construction Program (NCP). The design team did not pursue LEED certification, but it did set aggressive energy goals designed for LEED Silver certification. Photovoltaics are planned for future installation, with the goal of achieving net-zero status.

Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) Studied:

• Improved building envelope, including walls, glazing, and green roof
• Energy-efficient interior lighting design with occupancy and/or vacancy controls
• Energy-efficient exterior lighting design
• Daylight harvesting with photo-sensor control
• Active chilled beam system
• Variable-volume, low-flow fume hood exhaust system with adjustable nozzle on exhaust fan to minimize bypass
• Building exhaust energy recovery with enthalpy wheel for office areas, and heat pipe for lab areas
• Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) controls utilizing occupancy sensors and CO2 sensors
• Advanced temperature controls utilizing occupancy sensors
• High-efficiency condensing gas boilers
• Condensing gas-fired domestic water heater and low-flow fixtures
• Solar air preheat wall

Energy Savings:

The baseline building used to determine energy savings was developed per the requirements of the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Energy Standard. The annual electric and gas savings were estimated to be approximately 140,000 kWh and 4,500 therms, respectively. Those would yield an energy cost savings of approximately 17%.