Glenn KatzSustainability Goals
Net-Zero Energy
My goal is to design the building for net-zero energy on the source level. Everything will be fully electric with lots of heat pump utilization. I would lower energy demand with thoughtful building orientation, overhangs, and passive solar. I would also want to add on-site solar PV.
Low Embodied Carbon
Ideally, I would go for at least 10-20% reduction from a traditional baseline design. Primarily, I will focus on using alternative, lower carbon building materials. I’d like to use mass timber structurally because it is not only less carbon intensive, but it also eliminates the need for finishing on top of it. I can keep it exposed for a biophilic design, which reduces the amount of material needed. I would also like to explore alternative insulations, playing with slab thicknesses depending on my site, etc. Another way I will reduce my embodied carbon is by keeping the building design relatively simple. (Not just because I am new to Revit, but it doesn’t hurt).
“As a general rule, a simple shape is more materials- and energy-efficient. Building in a square shape is not always possible due to daylighting, zoning, functional, or space distribution requirements. A more complex building shape drives external walls demands, and also requires additional access corridors. If the building requires additional staircase and elevator shafts in different locations, this also creates demand without additional corresponding available room area.” (One-Click LCA)
Repurpose Food Waste
One thing I would want to showcase in the building would be sustainable agriculture. I’ll touch more on this in design ideas below, but in execution, I want to have all single-use packaging be compostable. I would also include some nice, well-labeled bins for waste. The waste from visitors can be collected in a compost learning lab on site! I would go for zero food waste as the measurable goal.
Water Reuse
I want to have a green roof not just for aesthetics, but also to capture stormwater runoff. We can use that water for irrigation later. I’d aim for maybe 30-50% of non-potable water to be from this water. That might be too ambitious though if the site is in California.
Design Ideas & Inspiration Pictures
- Solar and green roof
- I want to have as much green space as possible, so I would put the cafe area on the top floor semi-enclosed with a terrace that overlooks the green roof. It could have some walking paths, so people aren’t stomping around on it though. The roof would also be functional for stormwater capture that will be reused for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
- I’m thinking of covering the outdoor dining terrace with solar for energy generation and shading in one element.
- Like this below.
- Open spaces, atriums, big windows, skylights
- I want to have lots of natural light, not only for occupants to enjoy the space, but also to reduce lighting demands. I like the idea of having big open central spaces with the smaller rooms surrounding them. I’d also like some central courtyard that could be used for concerts and other events.
- Urban agriculture
- I want to display some cool, sustainable urban agricultural practices in the exhibits. I’m thinking of having some displays of vertical farming and hydroponics. And then the cafe could utilize it as ingredients. I also want to have some on-site composting that can be part of the learning, but also used to fertilize the crops and other plants on site.
- flexible/modular design
- A lot of multipurpose spaces.
- Potentially modular rooms that have barriers that can be put up or removed to change capacity.