What is better: Zero-Net Energy or Community Solar?

Zero Net energy buildings promise structures that are self-efficient and rely on their own sources of power to supply energy to its occupants. As the trend becomes more and more popular, and residential and commercial builders emphasize and design buildings with zero-net capabilities, some have begun to question whether this process is really as efficient and sustainable as first thought.

For example, America’s Electric Cooperative published an article in July of 2018 discussing the benefits of zero-net energy buildings versus electric cooperatives. The article states that cooperatives, such as community solar, tend to be more efficient than zero-net energy buildings. Cooperatives tend to look and approach the energy question in a broader system and thus are better equipped to deliver a solution at scale. According to a study published by Brattle Group, community solar can deliver 35-35% more efficiency and thus achieve greater cost savings in the long-run and can provide greater carbon monoxide reductions.

While the article makes some good points, and presents interesting information, the ultimate publisher is, in fact, an electric cooperative. They are more likely to promote the advantages of community solar and other similar cooperatives. What is lacking is any discussion of limits of the cooperatives. In fact, the report they cite, though created by The Brattle Group, seems to have been created for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and thus is unlikely to discuss the shortcomings of cooperatives in any deep framework, somewhat limiting the superior claims they’re making regarding the shortcomings of zero-net energy buildings.

Make your own opinion by reading the original news article here: https://www.electric.coop/zero-net-energy-buildings-theyre-cracked/

Sustainable Systems Case Study in Arlington, VA

Sustainable Systems Case Study in Arlington, VA from Jordan Swenton

Building Energy and Water into Architecture Design

Why is building energy and water use monitoring important?

It is important to monitor building and water use and instill those practice today. The earth’s population is projected to triple in the next 50 years (Kehoe, 2013) . To manage resources creating new sustainable practices will benefit society as a whole and allow the advancement of other sustainable practices. Though costs are high today, with more innovation and buy-in from other parties, costs will come down in the future and communities will be able to reap greater benefits. Some advancements have already taken places, like the Eco Machines, which focus on ecology, economy, and design (Todd) . Kehoe argues that more is necessary to ensure water efficiency, like raising water fixture standards, joining the green movement, and establishing governance. If started soon, these actions can reap huge benefits in the future. New advancements will make buildings more efficient and create spaces that are more human and nature friendly.

Energy as a Design Problem: True or False?

True! Energy is a vital puzzle piece of a successful building or space. While architects today
frequently rely on engineers and other specialties to build and execute their visions, it is still
extremely important to ensure that the designs envisioned support the assumed energy resources
efficiently. Indeed, even the AIA encourages integrating energy in contemporary designs in their latest "Architect's Guide". A smart design can make use of resources efficiently, making it a long-lasting success.

Is water a design problem too?

The planet is made up of primarily water. If we’re designing something on this planet, it is likely that
the question of water is going to have to be taken into consideration, be it window insulation or water
drainage. The question of sustainable water management and water efficiency exacerbate the need
for designs that carefully and thoughtfully deal with water issues, like drainage or water collection.
Designers and architects can become the key players in the discourse towards making ad building a
new sustainable world.

Works Cited

Kehoe, P. S. (2013, December). Water Efficiency. Retrieved from Eco Building Pulse:
http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/water-conservation/water-effici

Todd, J. (n.d.). Indoor Wastewater Treatment. In Sustainable Urbanism (pp. 185-7).

High Line

The High Line in New York is an example of adaptive reuse of an old and abandoned elevated railroad track. It is now an elevated pathway park weaving between and around buildings.

Sustainability

        The term 'sustainable' generally means a process or action that is able to self-support or maintain itself for a set period of time. It some instances this is accomplished by resisting change to the system, but in others some change or outside influence is necessary for the system to remain sustainable. For instance you cannot create a truly sustainable isolated(closed system) bio-dome without adding outside and artificial nitrogen dioxide which is necessary for plant growth. Earth is an open system and due to internal and external actors nearly constantly generates lightning with creates nitrogen dioxide.

        The term 'sustainable' with regards to architecture and design generally deals with the triple bottom line which consists of environmental, economic, and social factors. In other words, is it too destructive to the environment in such a way that is too detrimental to the human condition to justify its means, is it a substantially worse use of scarce resources than other methods, and does it generally support progress of the human condition. It probably most often is thought of as dealing changing environmental factors like weather and climate or efficient energy use.