CREJ

September 2019 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 31 Electricity is the Key to Unlocking our NZE Future There is a new wrinkle in these four steps. We must make the first three steps mandatory for every project, no matter what. But the truth is that the fourth step is option- al – optional because our electricity grid is quickly becom- ing renewable itself. Xcel Energy plans to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and be 100% carbon neutral by 2050. Poudre Valley REA (an electric utility in Northern Col- orado) plans to be 100% renewable by 2030. This means that our electric grid is becoming a renewable source of power, and it is happening faster than anticipated. If our electric grid is 100% renewable but we are still using natural gas to heat our buildings, we are not taking full advantage of that renewable electric grid. Is NZE really that easy? Yes! And no. On a high level, it is that easy. But there are an increasing number of products and systems to understand and integrate. Ground-source heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow, mini-splits, chilled beams, energy modeling, dew points, blower door tests, en- ergy recovery ventilators, commissioning, life-cycle analysis and more must be understood and integrated by the design and construction team. But the technologies are available now. And they need not increase construction costs. Just as the electric automobile is the future and is available now, so the electric building is the future and is available now. So, the next time you build a building, remodel a build- ing, or even when you replace your HVAC system, water heater, or anything else that uses gas, consider the high-ef- ficiency electric alternatives. NZE is the future. And the fu- ture is now. \\ peter@ewersarchitecture.com ELEMENTS Net Zero Joel Kivett The “NZE Ready” Renaissance charter school in Castle Rock, de- signed by Ewers Architecture. Note the large, empty roof areas, which are designed for photovoltaic panels to provide all the electricity for this school. W hocares? WE’RE 45. SURE, WE’RE ESTABLISHED, STEADY, SOLID. BUT LONGEVITYGUARANTEES NOTHING. THE CURRENCY FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY’S DESIGN BUSINESS IS CHANGE ITSELF. KIEDING. EVOLVING DAILY. INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN | KIEDING.COM