Jessica Dray and Kaylee Bertrand, “Net-Zero Academic Buildings: An Academic Building Energy Consumption Study”
Mentor: James Wasley, Architecture
Oral Presentation 9am Union E280

The demand for energy-efficient academic buildings has grown increasingly as more universities aim to lower their environmental impact. However, the size and energy demand of academic buildings present a unique challenge regarding their sustainability. Laboratory buildings, in particular, consume more energy than traditional facilities due to their internal equipment. Facilities in colder climates also require more energy to heat the building during winter months. High energy usage is especially notable in academic buildings that have a large square footage. Many universities are looking to reuse existing structures for a new programmatic purpose. While this helps with decarbonization efforts, working within the framework of an existing building can also present sustainable challenges due to the existing systems in place. Each of these challenges is relevant for instructional facilities here in Wisconsin. This study examines the energy consumption of efficient academic buildings from other campuses that face these similar challenges, using their energy use intensity (measured in kbtu/sf/year) as a quantifier. To achieve net-zero status, these buildings must offset their energy use intensity using renewable energy sources to meet their energy needs. The more energy-efficient a building is, the less renewable energy is needed to offset its consumption. This study analyzes the sustainable strategies used to lower the energy use intensity of these buildings. Several techniques are also used in these facilities to incorporate renewable energy sources and achieve their net-zero status: onsite and offsite photovoltaics, eco-districts, and renewable energy certificates (RECs). These successful buildings demonstrate that despite the challenges creating sustainable academic buildings may present in Wisconsin, efficient facilities can still be constructed and achieve a net-zero energy status. Through the study of these facilities, sustainable strategies have been identified that can be incorporated in Wisconsin to achieve a similar effect.