Achieving Net-Zero Energy in Washington DC – AGU Headquarters

Abstract:

During the planning of the renovation to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) headquarters, AGU wanted to create a space that embodied its mission of science for the betterment of humanity and set a goal to become the first renovated net-zero energy building in Washington, DC.

While AGU’s energy is generated through a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array, the amount of energy that can be produced is limited by the buildings small footprint. The location of the building in an urban setting limits the amount of energy generated through sustainable means. To achieve net-zero energy, over 17 energy saving strategies were incorporated in the buildings design. These strategies include a radiant cooling system, sewer heat exchange system, water reclamation cistern, and electrochromic glass. By reducing and reclaiming energy, AGU is able to lower its total energy consumption to the point that its relativity small PV array can offset its energy use.

The focus of this presentation will be on technologies an individual buildings can take advantage of to reach net-zero energy, we will also talk about the public-private partnership that were developed to achieve our goal and the outreach and data sharing plan to engage those interested in transitioning to a net-zero energy strategy.