The activities taking place in a thriving school can consume tremendous amounts of energy (electric, gas, and other sources) if an energy-conscious, integrated approach is not taken in architectural and building systems design. Beyond striving to reach aggressive energy goals and Net-Zero Energy certification, Perkins Eastman, along CMTA and DGS (Department of General Services)have as an objective “Net-Positive Education” – the creation of a high performance learning environment that will positively support the health and education of students and staff using schools that will serve as teaching tools. “Net Positive Education” is a process in which we align our pursuit of Net Zero Energy with strategies that will improve the indoor environment from a daylight, thermal comfort, acoustic, and air quality perspective. This is done through a joint effort between the architect, Perkins Eastman, and CMTA, the Mechanical and Electrical Engineer for the projects, and it’s a process where both teams blend their skills and actively collaborate together. Using West Elementary School and Banneker Academic High School as case studies - two projects that are set to become the first Net-Zero Energy Schools in the District of Columbia and that are also pursuing the WELL Building Standard, - the design team will showcase all the building performance analysis tools used during the design process.  These tools were used on a weekly basis to inform the performance objectives of the projects and keep the “Net-Positive” targets on track.  Members from the design team will also discuss how Net Zero Energy targets informed the design process to create a high performing educational spaces. The presenters will explain how conducting preliminary charrettes with the client, the operations team, design team, construction team, and the community helped to establish the goals for the projects and engaged in the discussion of possible challenges and opportunities around Net-Zero Energy.


Learning Objectives: After attending this presentation, participants will be able to: Share with the audience why deep levels of collaboration between architecture and engineering teams is necessary to increase building performance, and inform the design process on a weekly basis; Showcase and describe how energy modeling and performance analysis can inform the design process, challenge design conventions and generate a high performing and cost effective building; Explain the importance of having NZE energy conversations with all stakeholders as early as possible in the design process; and show how crucial it is, in a fast-paced design process, to get real-time data from the Revit Model, through the use of energy modeling, daylight, thermal comfort, and building performance tools, in order to make smart design decisions at the right time.


Speakers:
Juan D. Guarin, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP - Sustainability Specialist, Perkins Eastman
Omar Calderon, AIA - Principal and Board Director, Perkins Eastman
Tony Hans, PE, RCDD, LEED AP - Vice President/National Director of Sustainable Projects, CMTA
Sarah Pearlstein, LEED GA - Senior Project Manager, Brailsford & Dunlavey/DGS


Credits: 1.5 HSW|LUs