Net-Zero First Design Methodology: A new design process for reaching high performance building design solutions

Robert Fleming
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Robert Fleming
Proposer First Name
Robert
Proposer Email
robert.fleming@jefferson.edu
Proposer Last Name
Fleming
Proposer Phone
(215) 951-2928
Proposer Job Title
Professor
Proposed Session Description
We have been fixated on the "what" of sustainable design. Rating systems, net-zero energy, and “Well” buildings are all wonderful metrics but until we dig deep and change the way we think and the way we design, we will never see the kinds of changes that are desperately needed to fight climate change. This session offers one pathway to systemic change. Other transformative methods will be uncovered during the in-session Workshop and will can be discussed in the last segment of the session.
Why is this session important?
We have been fixated on the "what" of sustainable design. Rating systems, net-zero energy, and well buildings are all wonderful rating systems but until we dig deep and change the way we think and the way we design, we will never see the kinds of changes that we need to fight climate change. This session offers one pathway to systemic change. Other transformative methods can be discussed in the Q/A session.

Comments

Tristan Grant Mon, 04/05/2021 - 5:44 pm

NO This topic of new net zero construction seems thoroughly explored at this point. This does seem like they are trying to introduce a new framework of net-zero as basline, but i'm not convinced this will introduce enough new material to the audience to justify it.

Susan Farber Mon, 04/12/2021 - 8:37 pm

ROUND 1 DISCUSSION: NYC energy code is going to forece this anyway: where is the value add? Proposers aren't quite there - with how to bring this into reality. We'd hope that our audience is more advanced that this. We do need to be more developer-friendly, but this probably isn't the proposal to meet that need. ... The conversation that is interesting is all of the people in the design process, which would hit the theme, but the abstract as written doesn't meet the brief. Who else would need to to present, besides the professor, to make this work?

Susan Farber Fri, 05/21/2021 - 1:32 pm

Round 2 discussion: Proposal from professor, Thomas Jefferson College. Net zero – already have too much content? (LL97 presentations) but this seems unique: how net zero education is important to students. Plan to break out into workshops. Concern: no “collaboration.” Using students’ competition projects; how content taught in schools. Make interactive? Add speakers who are researchers, practitioners (includes former students). How to adapt content for those already familiar with net zero. Focus is on competition projects, nothing built. Would need strong curation. / Nick: Net zero is no big deal. / Gwen: Might be preaching to the choir; academic approach.

Diversity and Inclusiveness
The focus of this session is on energy efficiency. However, the importance of “empathy across difference” will be discussed as a method for creating more holistic and equitable design projects. This includes diversifying the stakeholders in the design process.
Learning Objectives
Understand the importance of empathy across time, space, and difference as pre-requisites for effective high-performance building design
Apply an emergent design process to explore multiple design options at multiple steps with multiple digital validations leading towards a high-performance building design
Use energy modeling in cost-effective ways to build accountability into the design process
Use energy modeling to size PV panel arrays to reach net-zero ready building designs
Has this session been presented before?
Yes
When and Where?
Presented before but not as a workshop style event. American Collegiate Schools of Architecture in March of 2021
Additional Comments
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge of energy modeling and net-zero design would be helpful.

NYC 2021 Areas of Focus

Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Presentation with time for questions and answers
Recommended Length
90-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2021

Anything else you'd like to tell us about your session proposal?
I have some great diagrams posted on Wakelet https://wakelet.com/wake/_GO8a42UD8GhXeEmToczl Visit this site to learn more: https://wakelet.com/wake/_GO8a42UD8GhXeEmToczl
Reviewer 1
Grant, Tristan
Reviewer 2
Royan, Monisha
Proposal #
103
Committee Decision
Being Considered

Presenters