A new publication that helps owners, contractors, consulting engineers, architects, designers and administrators of K-12 school buildings cost effectively achieve advanced levels of energy savings is now available.

The resource, Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings – Achieving Zero Energy, is the first in a series of guides that is tailored to the design and creation of zero energy buildings. The guides are developed by ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, and the Illuminating Engineering Society; the U.S. Green Building Council with support and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

“This comprehensive guide was developed by a team of zero energy experts that bring building science and practical application together to create an achievable goal of zero energy schools,” says Paul Torcellini, project committee chair. “The guide builds upon the popular 50 percent advanced energy design guide series with new and updated recommendations on energy efficiency. Additionally, it provides guidance for on-site renewable energy generation and establishes a set of energy performance goals for achieving zero energy. The goals are provided for all ASHRAE climate zones, in both site and source energy.” 

As in previous guides, the how-to tips provide specific direction broken into specialty areas: building and site planning, envelope, daylighting, electric lighting, plug loads, kitchens and food service, water heating, HVAC and renewable generation. Each section contains multiple tips that move the design incrementally toward the zero-energy goal. Case studies and technical examples illustrate that the energy goals are achievable at typical construction budgets, as well as demonstrate the technologies in real-world applications.

Visit www.ashrae.org/freeaedg