Net Zero Energy Development: Sustainable Communities & Technology

This seminar combines research with design workshop format to examine advances in the design and technology of Net Zero Energy buildings, neighborhoods, and infrastructures. The course will investigate multi-disciplinary collaborative frameworks, strategies and tactics deployed in advancing facets of sustainability. The research will focus on the research and development of emerging green technologies from design and engineering concepts to constructs, evaluating diverse scales and organizations of living and regenerative systems with corresponding components and assemblies.The class will analyze the design, construction, and performance of sustainable communities. Examples include Beddington Zero Energy Development, Solar City Linz, Dong Tan, and EDIN Islands Case Studies. Presentations, guest lectures, and site visits will examine key design and technology concepts in building, energy, water, and waste. Guest lecturers include Professor Daniel Kammen, Dr. John Todd, Dr. John Warner, and consulting engineers from Arup & National Renewable Energy Lab. Discussion topics will include: Responsive micro-climatic design strategies, maximizing the passive performance of building fabric and site master planning, integrating distributed renewable energy systems, expanded water harvesting, pioneering eco-waste treatment concepts, open-system prefab assembly, occupant behavior, full-cycle material management, and materials research and component developments.SELECT TOPICS-Holistic living systems and infrastructure planning;-High performance building design, systems and assemblies;-Energy conservation and management;-Distributed on-site energy generation, and building integrated designs;-Water harvesting infrastructure, purification, and storage systems;-Symbiotic Natural Systems, Eco-waste treatment and constructed landscapes;-Green Chemistry, Full-cycle material development and waste management process.OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMESThe seminar examines the challenges of integrating innovative green technology in planning and design. Class discussions shall evaluate strategies for research and development from concept to construction. Through discourse with visiting engineers, students\’ research shall seek to develop system frameworks, analytical tools and predictive variables. The course will examine key factors in fostering continuous improvements in innovative design development processes, delineating the strategies and tactics deployed in advancing facets of sustainability. COURSE FORMATThis seminar combines the development of case studies, with individual research. Seminars are organized with topic presentations, guest lectures, student case study discussions, and site visits. In addition to individual consultation with instructors, each student is encouraged to liaise with key consultants to develop insight into the process and methodology of innovation.METHOD OF EVALUATION50% Individual research project, 50% case study & class discussion.PREREQUISITESPrior coursework or practice in Sustainability is recommended.