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Johnson Controls Helps Develop 'Net Zero' Building

By GreenerBuildings Staff
Published October 9, 2007

Energy Use

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Facility Management

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SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The opening of Integrated Design Associates' new headquarters here won't make a big splash on the energy grid or the local atmosphere -- by design.

The building, a refurbished bank branch, will be a "net zero" building, one of the first of its kind in the country, that will generate as much energy as it uses, and will result in no additional carbon dioxide emissions. Key elements of the building that contribute to its efficiency, including a heat pump-based HVAC system and building controls systems, were developed and installed by Johnson Controls.

The heat-pump system circulates either warm or cool water through the concrete floor slab to create radiant heating or cooling, depending on the season. Additionally, solar panels on the roof run all systems and equipment in the building.

"The heat pump system -- which has been operational since mid-August -- has provided a very cool and comfortable environment during some very hot weather," said David Kaneda, a principal at IDeAs. "This energy efficient system will help us meet our zero net energy goals."

In order to further reduce electricity usage, the facility uses skylights in conjunction with energy efficient lighting systems, complemented by high-efficiency windows. On a sunny California day, sensors will switch off most of the facility's lighting in an effort to decrease energy consumption.

Kaneda's firm helps architects design more energy efficient buildings, and thus he said that his firm should take its principles to heart in its new headquarters. "All the technologies we use are readily available today," said Kaneda. "While some of the technology is more expensive up-front, the significant reduction in energy consumption will pay for these innovations in the long term. At the end of the day, reducing our impact on the environment is the right thing to do."