European Strategy to Reach Net Zero Energy Buildings

The European strategy to reach Zero Net Energy Buildings is to first minimize the energy a building consumes and then use renewable sources to generate the required energy. This is accomplished by designing to the Passive House Standard and building in modern automated factories. The presentation will describe how this is accomplished and present examples.

Architects in Europe are designing buildings using energy modeling tools which are very accurate and can predict, during the design stages, the energy consumption of a building. This software program, called the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) is the heart of designing and building to the Passive House Standard. It helps architects in balancing the energy performance of a building by comparing the benefits and / or limitations of different solutions starting with the orientation, foundation, insulation, windows, thermal bridging etc.

Contractors are manufacturing buildings in modern automated factories where they can also predict and guarantee the energy performance of their buildings. The technician can fine tune the detailing of the building using PHPP and THERM, which is a heat transfer modeling tool. This process allows the builder to evaluate and fine tune the energy efficiency of his assemblies.

The presentation will describe the role architects and engineers play in designing Passive Houses, builders in manufacturing and erecting them, industry in fabricating components and government in offering financial incentives. The intention is to help us understand how Europeans are designing and building, so that we can integrate the suitable elements into our quest to reach Zero Net Energy Buildings.

Nabih Tahan, AIA began his career 25 years ago in California as a forensic, diagnostic and remedial architect, analyzing and repairing defective buildings. In 1992, he moved to Austria, Europe, where he developed his own housing projects while learning about and applying green, energy efficiency techniques in design, manufacturing and construction. In 2005, he returned to Berkeley and completed a major retrofit with the goal of meeting the Passive House Standard. In 2009. Nabih has established BauTechnologies to consult with Architects, engineers, builders and homeowners to adapt European energy design concepts and prefab construction techniques to our buildings.

10/23/09

Committee on the Environment Forum: European Strategy to Reach Zero Net Energy Buildings

Nabih Tahan, AIA will explore how designing the Passive House Standard and building in modern automated factories can accomplish Zero Net Energy Buildings.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Shinya Yamada, AIA

Cost: None; this program open to all. Please RSVP.

1.5 CES/HSW/SD LU

For more information: 510/464-3600