Introduction to Net Zero Carbon Design
As our climate continues to change and energy demands increase, buildings stand at the forefront of our environmental challenges. In the US, buildings’ combined site work, construction, operation, and maintenance account for nearly 40% of national carbon emissions. Yet within this challenge to design and build more sustainably lies a tremendous opportunity.
The path to Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) Buildings represents not just an environmental imperative, but a revolution in how we design, construct, and operate the spaces where we live and work. In this course, we will explore the principles, technologies, and strategies that form the foundation of Zero Net Carbon design specifically for California’s diverse climate zones.
You will learn how net-zero buildings generally perform beyond standard sustainability requirements, what defines a Zero Net Carbon building, how their metrics are evaluated, and why they’re beneficial to the global environment. We’ll examine how designing and implementing sustainable practices can dramatically reduce energy consumption while creating healthier and more comfortable spaces.
You will also learn to evaluate existing building retrofit opportunities against new construction, select appropriate renewable energy systems, and incorporate climate resilience into your design processes. We will emphasize the importance of environmental justice and equitable design approaches that ensure sustainability benefits all communities.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define Zero Net Carbon design principles and their significance in sustainable architecture
- Describe how net-zero building guidelines fit within the context of California’s sustainable building requirements
- Identify advanced efficiency strategies to reduce operational energy consumption in buildings
- Explain how to design natural ventilation systems appropriate for diverse climate zones, particularly throughout California
- Discuss how to select appropriate renewable energy systems based on project requirements and site conditions
- Identify components essential for climate-resilient building systems
- Describe equitable design strategies that address community needs while achieving sustainability goals
