INSPIRE AT THE RUSSELL W. YOUNG BUILDING
Seattle, WA, USA | Petal Certified
Inspire achieved Energy Petal certification through innovative design strategies and cutting-edge technologies, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfortable living spaces for its residents. By incorporating features such as high-efficiency insulation, advanced HVAC systems, and renewable energy, the building exemplifies a holistic approach to energy conservation, setting a new standard for multifamily housing sustainability.
Key to the Inspire’s energy success is its integration of passive design principles and smart energy management systems. Leveraging natural elements such as sunlight and ventilation, the building minimizes reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, while intelligent energy systems optimize usage based on occupancy and environmental conditions. By achieving the Energy Petal certification, this project not only demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable development but also serves as a beacon for future projects, inspiring the industry to prioritize energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in their designs and operations.
Design tools and calculation methods used:
- Whole-building energy modeling using IES energy modeling software and a full 8,760-hour annual thermal simulation to determine energy consumption. Analyzed end uses included orientation, lighting, heating, cooling, HVAC, elevators, domestic hot water, fans and pumps, and plug loads.
- Solar energy production modeling using advanced PVsyst modeling with 8,760 analysis.
Energy innovations:
- Triple-pane glazing to enhance thermal barrier and reduce heating demand.
- High-efficiency heat recovery ventilation makes up for efficiency loss of electric heaters.
- Programmable thermostats to control electric heaters.
- Operable sliding doors and windows provide natural ventilation and eliminate mechanical AC.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows reduce artificial light requirements.
- LED lighting throughout with low lighting power density.
- Centralized high-efficiency electric heat pump water heaters.
- No hot water supplied for washing laundry.
- Bath spouts installed only upon request to reduce domestic hot water (DHW) demand.
- High-efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption by 43% and reduce DHW demand and associated electrical consumption.
- Prominently featured staircase and de-emphasized placement (and use of) regenerative braking elevator reduces use and increases efficiency of elevator consumption.
- Most efficient available ENERGY STAR appliances throughout.
- No tenant TVs allowed; all units pre-installed with high-efficiency LED TVs.
- Energy dashboard in public lobby.
- Leases provide an energy budget for free electricity and cost penalties for exceeding the budget.
- Tenants receive monthly energy reports, with sub-meter information, for their units.
- Southern building orientation enhances solar PV production.
- Elevated “upper” solar array cantilevers over the back patio and alley to increase solar collection area.
DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY
Arlington, VA, USA | Zero Energy Certified
While built to address rapidly growing student enrollment, Discovery Elementary was also designed to meet a larger goal—to prove what can truly be achieved with a new public school facility. Every decision—from building orientation and massing, to construction details for the building envelope, to choosing lighting and HVAC systems—was viewed through the lens of how that decision would affect energy use.
A high level of energy efficiency was achieved by incorporating passive design strategies, including high thermal massing, designing for daylighting, and strict air-sealing that produced building insulation that tested 80% better than code. Additionally, 100% of the spaces in the project have occupant sensors for the lighting system, with most having dimmable controls. As a result of the prioritization on Zero Energy, Discovery Elementary boasts an EUI of 8.6kBTU/sf/year. This energy-efficient design, combined with a net-metering contract with the local utility, allows this project to frequently provide surplus energy generated by the PV array back into the grid.
Discovery Elementary is the first Zero Energy school in the Mid-Atlantic and is the second-largest Zero Energy school in the United States. Discovery offers a positive example of a solution to the global crisis of climate change and along the way emboldens students with the expectation that they are creative participants in those solutions.
