ENERGY PERFORMANCE TARGETS
ZED can help you achieve a specific energy performance target. We design and specify high performance building envelopes, efficient mechanical systems, and renewable energy sources. Examples of targets to consider follow below. Use ZED services to achieve your selected energy performance target.
NET ZERO ENERGY & NET POSITIVE ENERGY
Zero Energy refers to matching on-site energy production (through renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic) with on-site energy consumption. In doing so, the consumption and production net out to zero. In the case of Net Positive Energy, more energy is produced on site than is consumed on an annual basis.
PASSIVE HOUSE STANDARD
Passive House is a design methodology and energy standard that champions a super insulated, airtight home or building that uses 70-90% less energy for heating and cooling than a conventional new home or building - often described it as “the most rigorous building energy standard in the world”. ZED has Certified Passive House Consultants on staff, trained by both PHI and PHIUS.
ENERPHIT
Renovations in alignment with Passive House are practical using the EnerPHit standard. Based on Passive House principles, the EnerPHit standard requires the same high quality, energy efficient components, yet sets thermal bridging and air leakage thresholds at achievable levels for renovation projects.
DEEP ENERGY RETROFIT
Focusing on existing homes and buildings, a Deep Energy Retrofit is a reduction of energy requirements achieving at least 50% better performance in the existing building than code requires for new construction.
ZERO FOSSIL FUEL CONSUMPTION
Addressing all energy requirements of the home or building without any consumption of fossil fuels on site. This approach is for owners who seek to avoid all combustion appliances in their home or building.
ULTRA-LOW ENERGY & SUPER-INSULATED
A general description for homes or buildings that consume a fraction of the energy compared to a typical new home built to code, often 50 to 90% less energy.
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS
ZED can also facilitate certifications which complement the firm's core services.
LEED
The USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a 'green' rating system with certification for homes and buildings addressing many attributes, such as site selection, materials and resources, water, and energy. For homes, the energy portion of the LEED rating can be met with Energy Star certification. ZED has LEED Accredited Professionals and a LEED for Homes Green Rater on staff.
LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE
The Living Building Challenge is the built environment's most rigorous performance standard. To be certified under the Challenge, projects must meet a series of ambitious performance requirements over a minimum of 12 months of continuous occupancy, including net zero energy and net zero water use.
ENERGY STAR
A Federal supported construction standard run by the EPA and DOE, providing certification for homes and buildings that requires at least 15% less energy consumption than building code requires. The Massachusetts New Homes with Energy Star program offers substantial financial incentives to reach Tier III, an exceptional threshold signifying at least a 45% improvement in performance over a code-built home. ZED has a Certified HERS Rater on staff.