The IDeAs Z-Squared Design Facility in San Jose is one of the first commercial buildings designed and built to meet a net-zero-energy/zero-carbon-emissions (Z2) target. The project took on the ambitious and pioneering challenge of transforming one of America’s most common buildings, a 1960’s-era tilt-up concrete structure, into a model of sustainable construction. In the end, an existing 7,200 square foot building has been transformed into a super energy efficient building which consumes approximately 60% less energy than the national energy efficiency standard.
The building utilizes natural daylighting, high efficiency light fixtures and occupancy sensors to minimize electricity used for lighting. A high efficiency ground source heat pump works with radiant heating and cooling in conjunction with operable windows, upgraded insulation and advanced glazing to reduce heating and cooling loads and optimize occupant thermal comfort. Innovative control strategies and careful equipment selection minimize energy use from plug-in equipment. Building integrated photovoltaics supply the building with 100% of its net energy requirements.
More than a place to work, the IDeAs Z2 Design Facility is also a learning lab for the electrical engineers and lighting designers at IDeAs who are working to advance energy efficient daylighting, lighting and lighting controls and sustainable electrical design concepts throughout the industry.
IDeAs is collecting data on the building’s energy system performance in order to help other design firms and researchers to obtain the green building knowledge required to move toward a carbon neutral society.
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