Path to Net Zero: Beyond Handing Over the Keys

Net Zero is not a pass/fail scenario. We are designing our buildings to be able to make a net positive outcome, but if the true operational impacts are not baked into the design are these buildings being set up for failure? Do we have the opportunity to fine tune the operations and set points through partnerships to meet the design intent or is it too late? What if we can time travel back to the beginning and include key stakeholders in the goal setting? This session will present real world net zero design project examples pass and fail scenarios. The lessons learned, optimized process, and importance of communication. We will review why projects are not meeting their net zero objectives and what we can do to course correct. We will review the examples of successful delivery process and the players roles to make this project a success. This team will present post occupancy solutions like Whole Building Airtightness, deep data analysis, and predictive modeling solutions. The team will express the value of the Owners Project Requirements and demonstrate how key facility operators are to ensure net zero goals are met. Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the challenges of pursuing Net Zero and how a well-designed building does not always operate as expected.
2. Discuss real-world examples of a Net Zero Energy designed project.
3.  Investigate how to assess and refine strategies for post-occupancy performance.
4. Describe lessons learned from Net Zero challenges to help plan future building design and operation protocols.

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Adam Ugliuzza, Director of Building Enclosures, Sustainable Building Partners, LLC Adam brings 16 years of engineering experience focusing on building science and the building enclosure construction industry. Discipline expertise includes building enclosure consulting and commissioning services for new and existing construction, in addition to forensic investigations to determine root cause of building performance issues. He also brings industry leading expertise in large building whole building airtightness testing, which is at the forefront of high-performance building construction. Adam continues to work on projects across the United States and abroad providing professional building enclosure consultation in both the residential and commercial space for all types of construction, ranging from multi-family wood/timber framed buildings to high performance institutional/healthcare facilities to high-rise construction. Through this experience, Adam brings a unique approach to building enclosure consulting and testing, concentrating on enclosure interface coordination in design and construction phases of the project that overlays a holistic approach, critical to achieving high performance building construction; the goal to help ensure all the materials, systems, and assemblies are properly connected to provide continuous environmental control. His extensive testing knowledge allows him to be deliberate and methodical in his approach to interweaving functional testing to verify performance. Adam is also active in many industry associations including Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), Construction Owners Association of America (COAA), United States Green Building Council (USGBC), etc. and has co-authored numerous technical papers, guidelines and standards.

Justin Aruck, Director of Building Performance, Sustainable Building Partners, LLC Justin Aruck joined Sustainable Building Partners as Director of Building Performance in August of 2010. SBP is a full service energy efficiency and sustainable consulting firm serving the commercial and residential markets. Mr. Aruck has been in the energy efficiency consulting business for over twelve years. He is responsible for developing and overseeing work related to building energy efficiency and performance with an emphasis on energy modeling solutions. Justin is also involved in audit projects (ASHRAE Level I and III), building commissioning, utility/government incentive and/or rebate programs, and educational programs. Justin holds credentials including ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional, AEE Certified Energy Manager, BPI Multifamily Analyst, LEED-AP BD+C, LEED Homes Green Rater. Justin is a member USGBC National Capital Chapter, an Associate Member of the American Society and Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, and the USA chapter of the International Building Performance Simulation Association.