Keeping up with ZNE News

Want to keep up on the latest ZNE news? Check out the ZNE Action Bulletin that keeps you up to date on the California Public Utility Commission's efforts toward a clean, green energy future for California.

Frito-Lay Plant Approaches Near ZNE

Solar Panels at Frito-Lay's Casa Grande plant in Arizona (source: Frito-Lay)

Already known as the company that makes chips and snacks, Frito-Lay is now also the company with one of the greenest manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for its plan to move all 32 of its plants to zero-waste status, the snack company just completed an even more ambitious project: a near-ZNE plant. The Arizona plant dubbed Casa Grande, which will produce Lays, Tostitos, SunChips, Cheetos and more, features a water-recovery system that allows the plant to recycle 75 per cent of its water, a five megawatt solar photovoltaic system and a solar shade parking structure.

The same energy and efficiency technologies are currently being used piece-meal at various other Frito-Lay plants, but this is the first time Frito-Lay is putting them all together in one plant.

Read more on this new near-ZNE project here.

The Country's Largest ZNE Community Welcomes Its First Tenants at UC Davis

shaded windows at UC Davis West Village (credit: Frederic Larson)

The country's largest planned ZNE community of its kind has officially opened on the University of California at Davis campus.

While it may seem like just your typical-yet stylish housing development, look beyond the amenities (which include a video game-playing area and sand volleyball court) and you'll see solar panels on the roof of every building and parking area canopy. In total, the panels provide a 4-megawatt photovoltaic system that will generate enough electricity over the course of the year to meet all the needs of the residents, planners say.

The development, dubbed UC Davis West Village, is a joint public-private partnership with funding from UC Davis, San Francisco real estate developers Carmel Partners, Urban Villages of Denver (who oversaw construction and own and manage the community) and grants from state and federal government.  

The first phase of the development now houses about 850 students.

Learn more about UC Davis West Village. 

First ZNE Multi-Housing Community Opens in Washington

zHomes in Issaquah (source: Multi-Housing News)

A ZNE, carbon-neutral multifamily community has opened its doors in Issaquah, Washington. Dubbed zHomes, these homes use zero net energy and 70 percent less water than other residences. 

According to Brad Liljequist, zHome project manager with the City of Issaquah, this project shows that ZNE is an achievable goal, which could make a big impact on CO2 emissions in the United States. Liljequist says about 40 percent of all CO2 emissions in the nation come from buildings.

With solar panels on top of the homes, the community will be like a mini-power generation plant in the summer, putting solar energy back on the electrical grid. During the winter when the sun is lower, it will be a net-energy user, equaling out energy used to zero over the course of the year.

This community is built in private and public partnership between the City of Issaquah, Built Green, King County, Port Blakely Communities, Puget Sound Energy and the Washington State University Energy Program.

Introducing ZNE 2.0

Tampa ZeroHouse 2.0 backyard (source: KB Home)

One of the nation's leading homebuilders sees the future of ZNE, and they call it the ZeroHouse 2.0.

KB Home recently announced plans to rollout its next generation of energy-efficient home designs. ZeroHouse 2.0 is a ZNE Home with building features enhancing energy efficiency through a whole-home approach, including increased insulation, upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, dual-pane, low-emittance windows and solar panels on the roof. Model homes have opened in Tampa, Fla., San Antonio, Texas, and Austin, Texas. The homebuilder plans to go national in 2012.

The company says that while a new ENERGY STAR-qualified house may save homeowners an average of $1,000 annually on their energy utility costs, a ZeroHouse 2.0 may eliminate monthly electricity charges entirely.

Barbie's New Eco-Friendly Dream Home

The winning entry in AIA's Barbie Dream House competition (source: FastCoDesign)

Barbie has a new dream home and this one's eco-friendly fabulous. Equipped with a green house, solar panels on the roof, Energy Star appliances and locally sourced and manufactured materials, Barbie's new dream home would make the U.S. Green Building Council proud.

The house was designed as part of the American Institute of Architects' Barbie Dream House competition, designed to inspire young girls to experience the world of architecture and the range of possibilities that design thinking offers. The winning entry was submitted by recent Harvard master's grads who believe that Barbie should uphold the "principles set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council while staying true to all the needs of a classic California girl."

Mattel won't actually be producing the house, but maybe it will inspire other architects to create their own, real-life eco-friendly dream homes.

Read more about the winning Barbie Dream House here. 

NYC to Get Its First ZNE Building

(image courtesy Solar One)

The New York City Council recently awarded $1.25 million to the construction of the City's first zero net energy and zero net water building. Dubbed Solar 2, the building will allow NYC nonprofit, Solar One to expand its energy efficiency and renewable energy public programs.

Specifically, the building will house cutting-edge environment exhibits and public activities, and provide classroom space and learning tools for Solar One's K-12 environmental education programs.

The 13,000-square-foot building will accomplish ZNE water and energy use through the use of such features as geothermal heating, a water reclamation system, New York's first outdoor Green Theater with a solar-powered stage, and a green roof and vegetative green screen to reduce heating and cooling in the building.

Transparent walls and cutaways will give visitors a glimpse of the "insides" of the building and its heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Learn more about this innovative building in NYC here. 

Massachusetts College Takes on ZNE Challenge

Bechtel Environment Classroom rendering (courtesy Smith College)

When Smith College breaks ground on its new Bechtel Environmental Classroom next month, it will also issue itself a challenge: to create a zero net energy learning facility. To achieve this goal, the design includes features such as a high-efficiency solar array and self-composting toilets, as well as recycled local lumber or newly harvested lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. When it opens, students will be responsible for monthly calculations to document that the structure is truly net zero.

Smith College expects the buidling to be completed by May 2012.

Learn more about the environmental classroom here.

 

ZNE Allows Hospitals to Operate More Efficiently

From contest semifinalist Perkins+Will's "Small Hospitals, Big Idea" proposal. Image courtesy Kaiser Permanente.

A design competition called "Small Hospital, Big Idea," created by health care provider, Kaiser Permanente has resulted in innovative proposals for efficient, small hospitals with a near-zero impact on the environent.

The finalists designed buildings that included an interactive roof design, patient gardens and whiteboards that allow patients to tap into doctor's notes and download them to personal electronic devices. See their proposals here; the winning design will be announced on Nov. 4.

What do you think of this idea?

Affordable Net Zero Homes Are a Reality

Mock up of Las Vegas net zero home (source: Meritage Homes)

A new crop of net zero homes in Las Vegas were recently unveiled by Meritage Homes. The green homes can generate as much energy as the homeowners consume, thanks to 100 percent ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, air-tight spray-foam insulation, "smart" controllers for landscape irrigation and low-flow showers, among other features.

Not only do the homes reduce monthly electric bills of home buyers, but with available federal tax credits, these green homes are more affordable than ever.

Read more about the new Las Vegas homes here. 

Kentucky Middle School Gets an "A" for Energy Savings

Turkey Foot Middle School (Source: KYPost.com) 

The new Turkey Foot Middle School may look like most schools, but it's the first of its kind in Kentucky. Through the use of solar panels and other energy-saving concepts, the school is one step closer to becoming net zero. It's twice the size of the old school it replaced but will use about a fifth of the energy, according to Kenton County Superintendent Tim Hanner.

Learn more about the almost net zero school here, including a news clip regarding the project. 

Jerseyville Gets Net Zero Subdivision

Lexington Farms, a brand new green community in Jerseyville, Ill.
(photo by Laurie Skrivan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)  

Jerseyville, Illinois, about 40 miles north of St. Louis, is now on the net zero map with a new subdivision designed to provide its residents with no-cost electricity. MidAmerica Solar of Imperial, Sachs Electric of Fenton and Capstone Development Group of Webster Groves built the Lexington Farms subdivision, which includes 32 homes with rooftop solar panels and wind turbines mounted over garages.

According to Jeff Lewis, president of MidAmerica Solar, over the course of the year, the solar panels and wind turbines provide all the energy needed to power heating and air-conditioning systems, along with other household electricity needs. Lewis says that while similar technology has been used in homes, it hasn't been done on this scale for an entire subdivision.

Read more about the new net zero subdivision in this STLToday.com article.

The World's First Self-Contained Franchise

Atlantic Windshield Repair Micro Franchise in Alabama (credit: Atlantic Windshield Repair)

Owning and operating a franchise just became easier thanks to the recent development of the world's first fully self-contained franchise facility. Created by Alabama-based Seale Solar in cooperation with Atlantic Windshield Repair, the facility uses solar panels to provide all of its power and runs a reverse osmosis system that takes rain water and converts it to potable water. The building even processes all of its own waste - solar power is used to run a composting toilet that processes human waste into a mulch material that can be used as a fertilizer.

At only 17 feet by 40 feet, this "Micro Franchise" is small but has the ability to run just like any other business.

Learn more about the new micro facility that is breaking new ground in the franchise industry. 

ZNE Within Reach for More Homeowners

rendering of "InVision Zero" home (credit: Dow Building Solutions)

The Dow Chemical Company and Cobblestone Homes - a Michigan-based homebuilder focused on energy-efficiency - recently introduced a new ZNE home that makes sustainable living an affordable reality for more homeowners. Dubbed "InVision Zero" and built for under $250,000, the home is priced at the current U.S. average new home selling price.

Learn more about "Vision Zero" here. 

Nation's Largest ZNE Development Gets Preview

Artist Rendering of UC Davis, West Village (Illustration by Transparent House, Inc.)

An exciting new zero net energy housing development at the University of California, Davis is currently underway.  Described as the largest ZNE development of its kind in the U.S., the college's West Village is a 130-acre, mixed-used development with apartment housing for 2,000 students, an education center for Los Rios Community College, recreation and study facilities, a village square surrounded by retail, and 343 single-family homes for sale to faculty and staff.

The highlight of the project is a four-megawatt high efficiency solar system designed to produce 100 percent of the electricity requirements for the entire community.

The site recently welcomed officials, including California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, to a pre-opening tour.

Read more about the project here.

Being Green in the OC is as Simple as ABC

A rendering of the ABC Green Home (courtesy: ABC Green Home Project)

Last week, we announced plans to build an environmentally friendly home near the Orange County Great Park in Orange County, California.  Dubbed the ABC Green Home because of goals to make it affordable, buildable and certified by several of the green-building rating agencies, the house will demonstrate that a solar-powered, environmental home can be built using available materials, technology and appliances at a cost that's competitive with conventional housing.

The ABC Green Home will be the first of two experimental homes that SCE will build in Orange County, with support from the homes' designer, KTGY Group architects and Newport Beach-based Green Home Builder magazine.

The goal would be for the completed home to be displayed for a year so the public and the homebuilding industry can learn from the effort.  The home will then be moved to a new site and given away, most likely to a low-income family or a veteran.  

Read more about the ABC Green Home project here. 

You Can Take That To The (ZNE) Bank

The new TD Bank store in Florida, also known as the nation's first net-zero bank, features 400 solar panels that will produce 100 percent of the store's annual energy needs (credit: TD Bank)

TD Bank, which calls itself "America's Most Convenient Bank" can now say it has America's first zero net energy bank location, too. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., the bank achieves zero net energy through its 400 solar panels - which soak up the Florida sunshine while providing 100 percent of the bank's electricity needs. Pretty cool.

Learn more about America's first zero net energy bank here.

Top 10 Green Projects of 2011

The six-acre green roof of the Vancouver Convention Center, one of the Top Ten Green projects of 2011. (Credit: MetropolisMag.com)

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) recently announced its list of the Top 10 Green Projects of 2011. Check out this MetropolisMag.com article about the super cool winning projects - among them, two schools, a meeting house for a Unitarian congregation and a sewage treatment plant.

Learn more about the winning projects here. 

U.S. Army - Being As Green As It Can Be

The Army had several examples of energy-saving technologies on display, during the Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. late last year. (Photo credit C. Todd Lopez, U.S. Army website)

It turns out, "Army green" is more than just a color. Thanks to the "Army Vision for Net Zero" program through the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. Army is on its way to being as green as it can be. With the hope of achieving zero net energy use for all new buildings by 2030, the program also calls for reducing water use and waste that goes to landfills.

Learn more about the program here.

Here Come The New Windows At Our San Bernardino Home

Check out the latest development at our home retrofit project in San Bernardino. In this video, Taft Kintzle of Legendary Doors and Windows explains the benefits of the new energy efficient windows to resident, Dan Thompson. The new windows will keep the house cooler and help cut down on sun damage -- and of course, help contribute to lower electric bills.

Our Eco-Friendly Landscaping Project

Who knew a substation could be so beautiful? Today we, along with Orange County Coastkeeper, unveiled a new sustainable design standard in landscaping Thursday in the City of Orange.

There were lots of accolades from state, county and local officials who took part in a dedication ceremony the Villa Park Substation, where 3 acres of turf grass and trees were replaced with drought-tolerant, environmentally friendly landscaping. The practices, which can be easily adopted by homeowners and businesses, will:

• Save up to 50 percent in water
• Eliminate dry-weather runoff
• Trim maintenance costs
• Reduce the site’s carbon footprint
• Create a habitat for urban wildlife, primarily birds

Dawn Wilson, director of corporate resources for SCE, said the utility is committed to investing in green and sustainable projects, while providing safe and reliable power to its customers. The Villa Park substation landscape retrofit is one of six sustainable projects being implemented by SCE.

The project, part of a “SmartScape” initiative introduced by Coastkeeper, reflects practices that can be applied to area homes and businesses. A two-year monitoring program will analyze and verify savings in water, maintenance and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

How to Get Up to $4,000 Back for Energy Efficiency Improvements

There has never been a better time to make energy-efficient improvements to your home. If you are a Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Customer, the new Energy Upgrade California program offers incentives of up to $4,000. Sure, this is reason enough to start making some changes in your home. But in the long run, you'll also lower your monthly utility bills and make your home more comfortable. 

For more information on the Energy Upgrade California program visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org, or our website for information on the home upgrade projects you need to complete to receive incentives.

Learn more about SCE's other rebates and savings programs.

More Commercial Buildings Going Net Zero

Magnify Credit Union in Lakeland, Florida
(Source: Consulting Engineering Associates, Inc.) 

Check out this New York Times article about what Magnify Credit Union was able to create in Florida - the first commercial zero net energy building in the state. Here's a cool virtual tour of the building. We're excited to see more and more commercial buildings going net zero.

Learn more

An Eco Community Comes to an End, While a New One Begins

The Baggins End domes of UC Davis (1972)

This is an interesting article from the Contra Costa Times regarding two different takes on sustainable student housing at UC Davis - a 1970s experiment in communal living (The Baggins End domes) and a 21 century eco-friendly neighborhood in the same community. The domes will close later this year, due to costly repairs, but the new project is expected to be one of the largest zero net energy communities in the country when it's completed. Regardless of which living style you prefer, it's fascinating how far the "environmental movement" has come ...

Learn more

National Renewable Energy Lab Offers Template for Net-Zero Office Building in Colorado

West-facing windows at the Research Support Facility in Colorado automatically tint blue in the midafternoon

Check out this recent New York Times article regarding the National Renewable Energy Lab's Research Support Facility in Colorado. It was designed to be the largest net-zero energy office building in the nation. Cool stuff.

Learn more

Adding Insulation to the San Bernardino Home

Here's another video about the changes happening at our San Bernardino home retrofit project. Homeowner Jamal Abdullah learns from Ron Kliewer, Building Performance Institute building analyst, how new insulation will be added to his home. As a result, Jamal can look forward to being much cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

San Bernardino Home Retrofit Update - Changes to the Electrical Panel

The assessment of our home retrofit project in San Bernardino continues. Here's a video of Ron Kliewer, a building analyst with the Building Performance Institute, explaining to homeowner, Jamal Abdullah the changes that will be made to his home's electrical panel.

UCSB’s Recreation Center: A ‘Showcase’ for Sustainability

For a facility built when sustainability in construction was more of an afterthought, UC Santa Barbara’s Recreation Center has come a long way. It's a three-building complex that serves the recreational needs of UCSB’s students, staff, and faculty that we've just designated a Zero Net Energy "Demonstration Showcase."

We will study the Recreation Center and give ideas on how to increase energy efficiencies. UCSB will then implement the recommendations, with help from our incentive and rebate programs. The overall goal of the campus is to eventually turn the Recreation Center (or Rec Cen as it’s called on campus) into a ZNE facility, which will produce as much energy as it uses.

Bill McTague, executive director of Resource Planning, Information Technology, and Sustainability for the campus’s Division of Student Affairs, says this collaboration is “a fantastic opportunity for UCSB to benefit from SCE’s expertise and guidance and for SCE to be able to showcase energy solutions and monitor their effectiveness over time.”

Learn more

Cool Use of Infrared Thermography to Find Ways to Save Energy

You may have heard of infrared thermography - or perhaps we've seen it used in movies by military personnel or law enforcement seeking out the enemy.  Aside from its use in Hollywood, infrared thermography is a real, effective tool to detect heat gain or loss in a building, and SCE is putting it to use at its ZNE Home Retrofit project in San Bernardino, California.

As construction at this project site kicks off this month, infrared thermography is being used to identify wasted energy and other factors that are critical to conserving energy usage in a building.  Not surprisingly, in hot conditions, the greatest source of heat energy is the sun.  Heat can enter a building directly through windows or by heat transfer through a building's insulation.

If you wanted to cool down in hot weather, you could reduce heat by improving shading, using light colored roofing and heat-reflective paints and coatings, installing better windows and using various types of insulation. And if a homeowner were able to find these energy "weak spots" in their home and fix them, they could save money on their utility bills.

Here are a few infrared thermography images of the ZNE Home Retrofit Project, showing the home's weak spots and potential energy improvements that may occur in the weeks to come, such as installing energy efficient windows, improving insulation in the attic and walls and upgrading roofing materials.



This is an image of a bedroom, single-pane window with the curtain drawn.  The infrared shows noticeable heat energy, which means the air conditioning has to work harder on a hot day. Double pane windows with a low energy coating will minimize heat and reduce the need for air conditioning.

This image shows the lack of sufficient insulation in the external wall of the living room, so the outside temperature more easily affects the inside temperature.  Cellulose insulation will be used in the wall cavities in order to better separate the inside and outside of the home.

New construction homes use reflective insulation and foil in the roof and attic space.  These photos show the existing attic floor and the red-orange color shows the area where heat transfer is taking place through the roof due to the lack of a more protective insulating barrier.

Thermal images of the electric water cooler and refrigerator reveal sources of internal heat gain.