Special Training for Bend, Oregon

2017 Net Zero Fellowship Research - Approaching Net Zero for Today's Buildings

Energy Trust of Oregon’s annual Net Zero Fellowship research grant aims to uncover potential barriers slowing the widespread adoption of net zero commercial building design while growing the community constructing these remarkable buildings.

Shilpa Surana of Brightworks Sustainability was selected for the inaugural Net Zero Fellowship, with supporting input from partners at Skanska and Gerding Edlen. Shilpa studied two real buildings in the city of Portland – one midrise multifamily and one midrise office – to identify how these same structures could be built today to approach net zero energy consumption.

Relatively little research exists on net zero energy strategies for midrise office and multifamily buildings, despite these types making up a significant percentage of the real estate market. Over the last 18 months, Shilpa aimed to identify the most cost-effective energy improvements for these buildings to explore paths toward net zero energy performance. The research pairs her energy modeling outcomes with construction cost premiums and development proformas to create a greater understanding of barriers and opportunities.

While Shilpa’s research does not aim to demonstrate cost parity between net zero and conventional buildings, her approach used multiple iterations of systems and costs to hone in on some of the most cost-effective strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Shilpa’s research exercise and design considerations for maximizing energy efficiency.

Presenters:

Shilpa Surana, Energy Analyst, LEED Ap BD+C, CPHC, Brightworks, Energy Trust 2017 Net Zero Fellow

Steve Clem, Vice President of Pre-Construction, Skanska

About the 2017 Net Zero Fellow:

Shilpa has over 7 years of experience providing energy analysis and energy modeling services for high performance building design and projects pursuing sustainability frameworks. She is a former LEED energy model reviewer who helps design teams set energy performance targets, identify energy efficiency measures, simulate results, and make expert recommendations based on the relative and absolute impacts of various strategies. Her modeling career includes diverse project experience including offices, restaurants, warehouses, medical facilities, schools, stadiums and campuses. She has experience modeling advanced strategies such as displacement ventilation, absorption chillers, thermal storage, geothermal heat pumps, and radiant heating and cooling systems.

Professionals taking this training in-person in Bend, OR are eligible for 1 CCB or 1 AIA/LU continuing education credit.

Light refeshments will be provided. A temporary parking permit is also available for attendees.

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Energy Trust Presents 2017 Net Zero Fellowship Research - Bend