Goal 1: Energy Use Reduction
Measure:
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in kBtu per square foot per year.
Targets:
- Minimally Acceptable Value: Achieve an EUI that is at or below the current citywide average for similar building types in New York City, which is approximately 100 kBtu/sq. ft./year.
- Desired / Target Value: EUI of 70 kBtu/sq. ft./year, representing a 30% reduction below the citywide average.
Strategies:
- Renewable Energy Integration: Installing on-site solar panels or wind turbines, to generate clean and sustainable energy to power the building. Aim to cover a significant portion of the building's energy needs through renewables.
- Passive Solar Design: Orienting the building to maximize passive solar gain during the winter months while minimizing direct sunlight exposure in the summer. This design approach optimizes natural heating and cooling.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Implementing advanced lighting systems that utilize energy-efficient LED technology, daylight harvesting sensors, and occupancy sensors. These systems will optimize lighting conditions, reduce energy consumption, and minimize lighting-related cooling loads.
- Envelope Thermal Mass: Designing the building envelope to incorporate thermal mass materials like concrete or stone. These materials can absorb and store heat, stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Goal 2: Balance Energy Use and Generation
This goal is almost same as the previous one, but I wanted to highlight once again.
Measure:
Achieving a Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) status, where the total energy generated on-site equals or exceeds the energy consumed by the building.
Targets:
- Minimally Acceptable Value: Achieve a near Net Zero Energy status with on-site energy generation meeting at least 80% of the building's energy consumption.
- Desired / Target Value: Strive for full Net Zero Energy status, where on-site energy generation completely offsets the building's energy consumption
Strategies:
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array: Installing a comprehensive solar PV system on the building's rooftop or facades, aiming to generate a substantial portion of the building's electricity needs from renewable sources.
- Energy Storage Solutions: Implementing advanced energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated during sunny periods. This stored energy can be used during cloudy days or nighttime, ensuring a consistent energy supply.
- Efficient Building Design: Prioritizing energy-efficient building design principles, such as passive solar design, high-performance insulation, and airtight construction, to minimize energy demands and maximize energy generation potential.
- Integrated Building Management System (BMS): Utilizing an integrated BMS that not only optimizes energy use but also actively manages energy generation and storage. The system will intelligently distribute energy as needed, prioritizing self-generated renewable energy.
- Green Roof and Vertical Gardens: Incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens will provide additional insulation and reduce cooling loads during hot weather, while also enhancing the building's aesthetics.
Goal 3: Material Efficiency and Reduced Carbon Footprint
Measure:
- Measure 1: Embedded Carbon Emissions per square foot of constructed space.
- Measure 2: Volume of construction materials required (in cubic feet) per square foot of constructed space.
Targets:
- Minimally Acceptable Value (Carbon): Aim for embedded carbon emissions below 50 kilograms of CO2e per square foot of constructed space. This would be a relatively conservative target and reflects an effort to stay below typical industry averages.
- Desired / Target Value (Carbon): Strive for embedded carbon emissions of 30 kilograms of CO2e per square foot of constructed space or less. Achieving this target would represent a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional construction practices.
Strategies:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Conducting a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment to analyze the environmental impact of construction materials throughout their lifecycle, including extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. Select materials with lower carbon footprints and longer service lives.
- Local Sourcing: Prioritizing locally sourced materials to reduce transportation distances and associated carbon emissions. Utilize regional materials whenever possible, especially for high-impact components.
- Efficient Transportation: Optimizing transportation logistics to minimize the number of delivery vehicles required for materials. Plan deliveries during non-peak hours to reduce traffic congestion and associated emissions.
- Waste Reduction: Implementing a robust waste reduction and recycling program during construction to divert materials from landfills and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Goal 4: Transportation and Accessibility
I want to take the construction site into consideration. As it takes place in New York City, this goal focus on the unique challenges and opportunities of an urban site, enhancing the sustainability and community integration of the exhibition center,
Measure:
- Measure 1: Visitor commuting carbon footprint.
Targets:
- Minimally acceptable value: 30% visitors using public or non-motorized transport.
- Desired target value: Over 50% visitors using sustainable transport methods.
Strategies:
- Public Transport Incentives: Collaborate with local transit authorities to offer discounts or special passes for exhibition attendees. This can encourage visitors to choose public transportation.
- Information and Signage: Clearly display public transportation options and pedestrian routes. Offer digital support like apps or website information guiding visitors on the best sustainable transport options.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Access: Ensure safe, pleasant pedestrian access from major transit stops to the exhibition center.
Goal 5: Water Efficiency and Conservation
I want to take the construction site into consideration. As it takes place in New York City, this goal focus on the unique challenges and opportunities of an urban site, enhancing the sustainability and community integration of the exhibition center,
Measure:
Liters of water used per square meter of exhibition space annually.
Targets:
- Minimally acceptable: 180 liters per square meter (a 20% reduction from NYC average).
- Desired target: 150 liters per square meter (a 35% reduction from NYC average).
Strategies:
- Incorporating a greywater recycling system for non-potable uses.
- Installation of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures specific to NYC's water pressure systems.
- Rainwater harvesting system tailored to NYC's rainfall patterns, used for landscaping and non-potable water needs.
- Water recycling systems for exhibit water features, considering the city's water quality standards.