pillai_vinod e 119 final project_net zero sports complex f

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GRADUATE STUDENT PROJECT

NET ZERO ENERGY SPORTS COMPLEX166, EAST ASHLAND STREET, BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Towards

Graduate Credit

In

ENVR E-119

Sustainable Buildings: Design & Construction

Fall Semester 2011

Professor: John D. Spengler

Teaching Assistant: Andrea Ruedy Trimble

Submitted on 8th

by

December, 2011

Vinod B. Pillai

HUID: 50778495, Distance Student,

Dubai, United Arab Emirates


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Net-Zero building in itself provides an opportunistic challenge to evolve a design in

its present context and limitations, into a tangible entity which yields a futuristic

benefit. The idea is to excel in both present-day design and yet impart a certain level

of intelligence to the building to improve its performance by virtue of the systems

designed within its life-blood. Working out a sports complex in an exigent site (by

virtue of its shape and geography) is another up-hill task. However the real challenge

to our team, both of whom are architects vying for a place in the realm of

sustainability, was to mitigate the triple edged conundrum that was required to be

addressed Performance, Viability & Economy. Needless to say, being architects,

aesthetics was a self-imposed challenge.

The challenges however also helped to set the tone of our design approach. Tackling

any of the four challenges stated above, one at a time will be futile since some of the

associated benefits pan in a non-linear manner. Some of the strategies work better

when applied in tandem with another strategy and mostly all of them are

interconnected. Hence an INTEGRATED approach is vital.


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TABLE OF CONTENTSExecutive Summary............................................................................................................................................ 2

List of Figures..................................................................................................................................................... 4

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5

1.1. Site Description .............................................................................................................. 5

2 Project Requirements .................................................................................................... 6

2.1. Spatial & Area Requirements.......................................................................................... 6

2.2. Site Preparation ............................................................................................................. 8

3 Design Approach ............................................................................................................ 8

3.1. Why Follow a Sustainability Path for this Project?........................................................... 8

3.2. The Net Zero Energy Goal ............................................................................................... 9

4 Proposed Sustainability Strategies ............................................................................... 10

4.1. Integrated Building Envelope (In-Depth Study) ............................................................. 10

4.1.1 Building Orientation ..................................................................................................... 10

4.1.2 Architectural Design: .................................................................................................... 11

4.1.3 Ventilated Facade System:............................................................................................ 12

4.1.4 Photovoltaic Ventilated Faade .................................................................................... 13

4.1.5 ETFE Roofing System: ................................................................................................... 14

4.1.6 Flexi Photovoltaic integrated with ETFE Roofing.......................................................... 16

4.2. Integrated Water & Waste Management Strategies ..................................................... 17

4.2.1. EcocyclET System of Waste Treatment......................................................................... 17

4.2.2. Storm Water Management Plan .................................................................................. 18

4.2.3. Rainwater Harvesting: ................................................................................................. 19

4.2.4. High Efficiency Water fixtures...................................................................................... 20

4.3. Ground Source Heat Pump ........................................................................................... 20

4.4. Other Strategies ........................................................................................................... 21

5. Implementation/ Application of Strategies ................................................................. 24

5.1. LEED Certification Strategy ........................................................................................... 24

5.2. Challenges.................................................................................................................... 27

5.3. Overall Implementation Strategy.................................................................................. 28

6. Summary ..................................................................................................................... 29

7. Bibliography ................................................................................................................. 30


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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Proposed Site Plan (Image: Google Map, Vinod) ........................................................................ 5

Figure 2: Schematic Circulation Diagram.................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3: Area Analysis Summary ............................................................................................................. 7Figure 4: Principals of ZNEB (image: Vinod).............................................................................................. 9

Figure 5: Approach to Net Zero Building (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009).................................................... 10

Figure 6: Terreal Facade Cladding (Terreal, 2005) .................................................................................. 11

Figure 7: Terreal Ventilated Faade (Terreal, 2005) ................................................................................ 13

Figure 8: BIPV (Image: http://onyxgreenbuilding.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dsc_0099.jpg.............. 13

Figure 9: PV Cost Reduction Trends (http://www.greentechnolog.com/collaboration/)........................ . 14

Figure 10: ETFE Membrane Roof (Schittich, 2006).................................................................................. 15

Figure 11: ETFE Solar Properties (Landrell, undated) .............................................................................. 16

Figure 12: Material Costs Projection (Shrotriya, 2011) ........................................................................... 16

Figure 13: Flexi-PV Cost Projections (Shrotriya, 2011) ............................................................................ 17

Figure 14: EcocyclET (Del Porto, 2011)................................................................................................... 17

Figure 15: Sediment Fence (Image: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdf)............... 18

Figure 16: Rainwater Harvesting System................................................................................................ 19

Figure 17: Efficiency of TOTO products (Image: TOTO).......................................................................... 20

Figure 18: . Reduction in Water Usage (Image: TOTO)............................................................................ 20

Figure 19: Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger for a GCHP system (RETScreen International, 2001-2005) ... 21

Figure 20: www.crusaderathletics.org/images/ ..................................................................................... 22

Figure 21: (Graham, 2009) .................................................................................................................... 22

Figure 22: Air circulation through ClimaDeck slab (EPA, 1993) ............................................................... 23

Figure 23: Honeywell Range of Products................................................................................................ 23

Figure 24: CycleSafe Bicycle racks www.en gexp.com ........................................................................... 24


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1 INTRODUCTIONThe client desires to construct a Net Zero Sports Complex on a plot along East Ashland Street which they

recently purchased from the City of Brockton, Massachusetts. The project brief was to develop the

property into an indoor soccer facility with related support services. Having brought it as-is from theCity, the client has inherited additional responsibilities of handling the site appropriately, it being a

previously designated as a hazardous site since 1987. Although the site has been reclaimed from being a

Brownfield, utilizing clean-up funds from United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the

client is aware of the site requiring additional clean-ups to fully sanitize it from the detrimental effects of

previous activity.

Our team has undertaken the task of designing a development program for the proposed building,

whereby we shall impress upon the client various approaches that we must pursue in order to mould this

project into a functional, efficient and sustainable facility. Most importantly, we approach this path with a

clear agenda of being able to justify any of the requirements, solutions, strategies, etc with or against the

profitability it offers to the client.

1.1. SITE DESCRIPTIONLocated on 166 East Ashland Street, the site is a 5.64

acres land which is divided into two lots (Lot 20 & 20-I)

by the Trout Brook that flows in the middle. The Eastern

Lot formed by this Brook as well as some portion of other

is a wetland covered with shrubs and bushes, leaving only

the portion on Lot 20 (as shown in Figure 1) available for

development. The banks of the brook are covered in

dense vegetation and marshy conditions, making it

inaccessible. The client has brought the land from the

City of Brockton who owned the land ever since the

previous activity of Montello Auto Body was demolished

in April 2004. As per the Massachusetts Zoning plan, the site qualifies for being developed as both

residential and industrial use facility. The site enjoys a very small frontage (approx. 110) along the E.

Ashland Street. It has in its vicinity a major recycling facility (BFI Recycling) at its north-western

boundary and some residential properties along its south side. The topography of the site is rather

contour-less, with a slight slope towards Trout Brook.

Figure 1: Proposed Site Plan (Image: Google Map, Vinod)


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The client has provided us with a draft Release Abatement Measure Plan (RAM), which describes the

various restorative measures undertaken by the TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) on behalf of the

City of Brockton, Massachusetts (MA), to clean up and remediate the site, in accordance with the

Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). This report is based on the assumption that the client has

obtained all necessary approvals from various authorities for developing this land. Although we dont

intend to disturb the wetland side of the plot, we are assuming that the zoning and environmental bye-

laws shall allow us to build a structure in close proximity to a wetland and the Trout Brook which is

categorized as a sensitive receptor. (TRC, 2005)

2 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS2.1. SPATIAL &AREA REQUIREMENTSThe Project brief (Markovic, undated) listed the various activities that the client desired to be included in

the facility. However, in the absence of a more detailed description of the functional or spatial

requirements, our team has derived the following project requirements based on prevalent best

practice, relevant bye-laws, zoning regulations and building codes.

We have also assumed the provisions of the soccer

facilities to impart flexibility to the client to host

games of all levels. In this regard we have planned

one of the 3 soccer fields with maximum sizerequired for a professional level indoor-soccer

game (Speed Soccer, 2011), while the other two

can host amateur level games. The combined

seating capacity of the 3 arenas is assumed to be

600. Similarly, in the absence of a formal brief of

space planning theme or preference from the

client, our team has formulated the architectural

design them, based on our professional experience

and prevalent standards for such facilities. The

adjacent circulation diagram was referred to

allocate preliminary hierarchy of space and to determine the movement of humans or goods between

Figure 2: Schematic Circulation Diagram


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each zone. Owing to the lush environments around, it was determined that the architecture follow an

ordered yet asymmetrical form, which provide dynamic and interesting vistas of the buildings to the

onlookers from all sides of the plot. The style was to follow a modern theme, with non-organic shapes

and very contemporary materials.

Facility/ Room Name Description (of each Unit) AreaNo.

of

UnitsNet Area

1 3 indoor soc c er areas200 x 80 per soc c er field(

http://www.speedsoccerarena.com

16000 3 48,000

2Spec ta tors/ Circ ulation

Spac es around the Fields

+ 5% of the ab ove(Comb ined seating c ap ac ity of 600assume d fo r the fac ilit

800 3 2,400

3 Ca f Based on assumption 1200 1 1,200

4 Shop Based on assumption 800 2 1,600

5 Offic e Based on assumption 100 6 600

6Storag e fac ility fo r spo rts

e ui m ents12 x 20 (Assum ed size) 240 3 720

7 Toilets As per IBC + c irc ula tion 400 3 1,200

8 Loc ker rooms As per IBC + c irc ula tion 500 3 1,500

9 Public c irc ulation spac es5% of the above indoor areas(exc luding fields/ toilets)

- - 300

10 Mechanical Room s Refe rence : (Allen & Iano , 2007) 12,000

11Public rec rea tion lawns &

icnic s o tAs per design - -

As per

Site

12 Paved wa lkways As per design - -As per

Site

13 Parking@ 1 pa rking spac e p er 3

spectators. Reference: (City ofBrockton, Ma ssac husetts, Unda ted)

- -200

Cars

Net Built-up Area of the Indoor Sports Facilities (excluding Mech Room) 57,520

Gross Built-up 69,570

Total Site Area (TRC, 2005) 5.40 acres

Total Ground Coverage of Proposed Design 72435 sq. ft. (1.66 acres)

Percentage of Ground Cover 30.7 %

Figure 3: Area Analysis Summary
http://www.speedsoccerarena.com/http://www.speedsoccerarena.com/http://www.speedsoccerarena.com/http://www.speedsoccerarena.com/http://www.speedsoccerarena.com/


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2.2. SITE PREPARATIONThe RAM describes previous activities on the site such as illegal dumping of solid wastes, contaminating

the land, the brook and the groundwater. Contaminants that were observed in various tests included

VOCs, extractable petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated

biphenyls, metals and pesticides. Contaminants were also found in water samples from the Brook and the

adjacent wetland. (TRC, 2005)

3 remediation measures were put forth in TRCs assessment No Action, In-Situ Soil Vapor Extraction

& Soil Excavation and off-Site Disposal

From the available data, it is not very clear if the soil excavation was undertaken by the City of Brockton,

prior to the sale of land to the present owner. If this has not been the case or if further soil excavation is

necessary, the contractor shall ensure compliance with all procedure stated in the RAM and shall adhere

to all applicable regulations. Also, such remediation shall also follow the recommendation made under the

LEED certification strategy discussed in this paper.

. (TRC, 2005). The measure to take No Action does not does not

satisfy TRCs risk characterizations for the site and was hence discarded. The alternative of Vapor

Extraction would still leave traces of some of the contaminants and is also a time-intensive process

compared to third alternative. Hence it was generally recommended to excavate the contaminated soil

from the site and transport it to a suitable location where it shall be safely disposed or treated (approved

by local authorities & US EPA). It was estimated in the RAM that the third remedial option would cost

$120,000. (TRC, 2005)

3 DESIGN APPROACH3.1. WHY FOLLOW A SUSTAINABILITY PATH FOR THIS PROJECT?In times when environmental trepidations are at the forefront of public attention, it is inane to even

suggest this as an intuitive question to ponder over. However, a responsible sustainability professional

owes this to his client, to analyze for him, the reasons why the design must be sustainable. The following

analysis is based on a model suggested in US EPAs website (USEPA, 2010):

Environmental BenefitsA sustainable design will prevent the aggravation of hazardous effects upon the immediate environment,

caused by the previous use on-site. Having a wetland inside the site will force the development to have a

smaller plot coverage, as a result of which the cost of construction will be reduced. An environment

friendly design will ensure that no further contamination from the buildings occupants shall affect the

sensitive brook and the wetland. The wetland offers a fresh, less-polluting biome, right next door to the


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sports complex. If protected well, it might turn into a repository of life for several species of flora &

fauna. We can replenish the ground water table.

Economic BenefitsReduction in operating costs of the building; selection of materials & systems based on LCA offers a

better return on investment; the status of being a green building expands popularity and marketability of

the sports facility; prevents wastage; optimizes all building systems and hence lower capital costs related

to larger factor of safety in design; Insurance benefits; partial freedom from fossil fuel price fluctuations.

Social BenefitsRemediation of an urban Brownfield; containment of site hazards from seeping into neighboring

residential properties; set a live example of a high performance building in the locality; Net-Zero Energy

status when achieved will reduce burden on the local thermal power station; enhance the ecology of the

wetland; improves quality of life.

3.2. THE NET ZERO ENERGY GOALA zero net energy building is one that is optimally efficient and over the course of a year, generates

energy onsite, using clean renewable resources, in a quantity equal to or greater than the total amount of

energy consumed onsite. (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009)

Conventional buildings contribute to 39% of the total energy use in the USA, 12 % of the total water

consumption & 68% of the total electricity consumption. (USEPA, 2010). A closer statistic is that

buildings in MA consume 54% of energy in the Commonwealth (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009). The

clients desire to NOT be a part of this group comes at a time when it is no longer just benevolent to be

energy conscious. Today energy comes at a huge premium!

In order to make the above definition of a Zero

Net Energy Building (ZNEB), building designs

have to be based on the 3 principals shown in

figure A - reduce wastage (of resources), increase

efficiency (of systems/ processes) & to optimize

the design (of components). All 3 have to be

synchronized in a smooth transition where design

of the building transcends into financial gain for

the client. The strategy our team has put together

Be it fossil fuels or water or daily-use

commodities made out of non-renewable material. It makes complete sense to cash in on this green

movement for the sake of ones return on investments (ROI).

Figure 4: Principals of ZNEB (image: Vinod)


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in this paper strives to steer the project towards that goal.

The MA ZNEB Task Force accepts that in many situations, Net-Zero scenarios may not become

available or feasible from the first year onwards (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009). Building such as our

project, may have certain limitations in terms of site conditions (wetland) or shape of the site, etc. In suchcases, a Net Zero goal should be set to proceed towards this ultimate target in a systematic and phase-

wise manner. A fall-back

strategy might be required

whereby the project may be

able to produce only a certain

% of onsite renewable

energy. In this case,

provisions must be included

where the building can buy

the remaining energy it

requires from renewable

power sources. The focus should be to integrate the design to always enhance the performance of

components in tandem. This will result in an energy saving which is equivalent to generating that saved

amount of energy.

4 PROPOSED SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES4.1. INTEGRATED BUILDING ENVELOPE (IN-DEPTH STUDY)4.1.1 BUILDING ORIENTATIONOwing to it being a new construction, the project was at an advantage to exploit the most from orienting it

correctly. After the areas were worked out, we realized that the bulk of the buildings footprint is the three

indoor fields. All other areas can have a reduced footprint, by stacking it vertically. With intent to roof the

soccer fields in a vaulted ETFE membrane roof, we preferred having the longer side of fields to face north

predominantly. However, the orientation shown in the site plan in Figure works the best in all other

aspects. Several mediatory elements are introduced in the design, in order to have the least climatic

impact, especially against heat-gain in summer and cold drafts in the winter.

Figure 5: Approach to Net Zero Building (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009)


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Orientation of the building was supplemented with prudent selection of materials, either for opening up

the faade to good daylight & ventilation OR in some areas sealing & shading it against harsh elements.

This is further explained in the subsection below.

4.1.2 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN:Ancillary activities such as stores, toilets, administrative offices, etc were placed as detached squares in

the nooks formed at the intersections of the three covered stadia. These square structures were then linked

to the main building, in the process forming a 25 x 25

courtyard at the intersection of the stadia. The external

walls of the square structures are proposed to have

ventilated faade using Terreal Terracotta cladding

system (Terreal, 2005) (explained in sub-section Faade

Systems). The fenestrations proposed on such terracotta

clad walls are minimal to seal the building against

weather infiltration. The courtyards offered opportunity

for large fully glazed windows to look over into the faade, being exposed to neither direct radiation nor

glare. An evergreen tree in the middle of each courtyard offers further shade in hot summers and

insulation during cold winters in MA. It was however decided to apply Turf Grass (REF) to the floor of

the courtyard instead of natural grass, to avoid using water for irrigation.

Figure 6: Terreal Facade Cladding (Terreal, 2005)

Image Credit: Vinod


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The external form of the building also offered several nooks that helped light to penetrate into the very

depths of the building (refer Figure). The effect of such nooks can be further accentuated by employing

light colors within such nooks to allow day-light penetration to further depths of the interiors.

We are proposing another prescriptive sustainability strategy in the form of Multi-Games Area (MUGA),

which is widely promoted by sports associations in Europe and the UK. This concept entails, sizing the

fields/courts to allow other games to be played on it, when the game of soccer is not in season, which

opens avenues of the indoor facility being used for multiple games. Figure depicts how the same field can

be used to play basket ball, futsal, handball, etc (The Football Association, 2005). We encourage the

building operators to put in place a strategy as to be able to run different games in the three fields at the

same time. To improve sustained and regular used of the field under the MUGA concept, we have

specified one of the three courts to have a flooring while the other two will have Turf Grass.

Cost & Savings Component: The architectural design elements are perhaps the most cost effective

components in this strategy, as they require a lot of initial planning, but no capital cost above what the

building is already going to cost. The components being used are just the same, but they are to be

configured such that their combined effects are synergistic.

4.1.3 VENTILATED FACADE SYSTEM:The inclusion of courtyards resolved the problem to getting day-light deep within the insides of the

building and therefore alleviated the need for having large expanse of glazing on the external walls. Wewanted to dress the exposed (non-membrane) part of the faade with a material that had inherent

insulating properties.

The material we propose for this cladding is Terracotta cladding tiles by Terreal which specializes in

ventilated facades (Terreal, 2005). The system combines the natural insulating property of terracotta

tiles and adds further insulation by virtue of each cladding tile being hollow in its core and then this effect


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is taken further ahead by having an air gap of minimum 3mm to a maximum of 10 (Lopez-Jimenez,

Mora-Perez, Lopez-Patino, & Escribano, undated).

This air gap, by virtue of the cladding tiles being open-jointed, is constantly ventilated, as a result of

which it continuously takes out moisture formed in this gap due to difference in temperature of inside and

outside air. The air-gap and the open-joints (as shown in Figure) allow the cladding tiles to undergo

thermal expansion/contraction without any visible

damage to their appearance. The multi-layered skin prevents solar radiation from directly reaching the

buildings external wall during hot summers in MA; and during cold winters, this skin insulates the inside

wall from losing heat outwards (Terreal, 2005), (Lopez-Jimenez, Mora-Perez, Lopez-Patino, &

Escribano, undated) & (tilestoday.com.au, undated).

Cost & Savings Component: Ventilated faade systems are touted to achieve an energy saving of up to

34% in cooling/ heating loads (tilestoday.com.au, undated). There are also results proven through

simulation studies and mathematical models quantified using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

methods, which shows savings in cooling loads by 7% to 9.5% in cold European climates (Lopez-

Jimenez, Mora-Perez, Lopez-Patino, & Escribano, undated) & (Naboni, 2007)

4.1.4 PHOTOVOLTAIC VENTILATED FAADEIntegrating PV panels into the external faade

constitutes a critical step in taking the project towards a

Net Zero Energy status. Our design did not offer

sufficient horizontal surfaces to mount PV panels for

on-site renewable energy generation. The PV

Ventilated faade system by Onyx Solar (Onyx Solar,

Figure 7: Terreal Ventilated Faade (Terreal, 2005)

Figure 8: BIPV (Image:http://onyxgreenbuilding.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dsc_0099.jpg


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2011) offered a good solution to mitigate this shortcoming, by enabling us to use a predominant

percentage of our external walls, especially those facing South and South-West directions.

Cost & Savings Component: The

system is said to produce between 20 to

40 kwH per sq.m. per annum,

depending on the orientation, location

and types of panels used. Further, the

thermal surrounding method (Onyx

Solar, 2011) of integrating this system

with the envelope reduces the energy

consumed by the building by 25-40 %.

Even in its current market price Onyx-

Solars product offers an Internal

Return Rate (IRR) greater than 25%,

which promises a good payback period?

(Onyx Solar, 2011)

4.1.5 ETFEROOFING SYSTEM:Originally invented by DuPont, Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene

(ETFE) is fast becoming one of the most sought after solutions for

lightweight, large span roofing systems which also offer a great deal

of sustainability. (Wilson, 2009). ETFE Foils are Teflon-like plastic

polymers, which are used as single-ply membranes or as air filled

cushions formed between two layers of ETFE foils.

Very lightweight: About 1% of the weight of glass. With adensity of 1.75 kN/M3, the weight per unit area of the ETFE foil

is under 1.0 Kg/m2. This helps to reduce structural load of building and also costs very little for

transportation.

High Translucency: ETFE transmits about 94-97% of visible light & 83-88% of UV light, includingthe full spectrum of natural light & UV and hence is very good even for vegetated enclosures.

(Landrell, undated) (Poirazis, Kragh, & Hogg, 2009)

Highly Durable: Has a product life of 50 + years and can resist a wide range of pollutants and isunaffected by UV radiations. (Landrell, undated). Highly fire-resistant

Figure 9: PV Cost Reduction Trends

(http://www.greentechnolog.com/collaboration/)


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Fully Recyclable: ETFE is made of 100% recycled plastic (Wilson, 2009) which can be melted andreused. (Modern Materials, 2008)

Excellent solar performance of thermal transmittance (U-value) & Solar energy transmittance (g-value) of ETFE in comparison with standard glazing, as shown in Table-X (Landrell, undated)

(Poirazis, Kragh, & Hogg, 2009). The ETFE foil will have solar reflectance of 61-63 % (Asahi Glass

Co. LTD, 2011)

We propose that all 3 soccer fields be covered in a vaulted roof made using ETFE foil cushions in a 2-

layer system. A pressure of 300 Pa shall continuously be maintained by air inflation units kept in the

nearby mechanical spaces. (Landrell, undated). Continuous monitoring can be tied in with the buildings

BMS system, which will issue an alarm, whenever the pressure drops inside each cushion. The

performance of this cushion is further enhanced by introduction of a layer of reflective frit within this

cushion, as shown in Figure X. Likewise, the U & g Values of the cushion is improved by introduction of

a low-E Coating and a sun control coating, as shown in figure-X.

Figure 10: ETFE Membrane Roof (Schittich, 2006)


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The ETFE cushions are supported over a light-weight steel framework, forming hexagonal modules over

which individual ETFE cushions are fixed. The system used is very similar to the lightweight roofing

used for the Eden Project near St. Austell, London. The entire weight of such construction is less than

that of the air it encloses. (Schittich, 2006)

4.1.6 FLEXIPHOTOVOLTAIC INTEGRATED WITH ETFEROOFINGSolar Next AG together with Flexcell offers a revolutionary technology which we are proposing for this

project, whereby flexible PV laminates can be integrated into the ETFE roofing, without adding any

structural load on it. A thin layer of amorphous Silica is applied on to a 50 micron thick transparent

polymer substrate foil base, which is then encapsulated into an ETFE membrane panel. The high light

transmission property of ETFE allows the flexi-PV strip to capture maximum solar energy at the same

time, increasing its efficiency by not allowing dust

settlement on its exposed surface. The PV strips in-

turn offer a certain degree of shading to the translucent

ETFE roof, thus helping with glare control & cooling-

load reduction.

Cost & Savings Component: Adoption of new

innovations in manufacturing flexi PV such as R2R

process ensures low-capital costs (about $30 million

for an annual production capacity of 450 MW

(Shrotriya, 2011)) and high material utilization. The raw

Figure 11: ETFE Solar Properties (Landrell, undated)

Figure 12: Material Costs Projection (Shrotriya, 2011)


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material costs are also rapidly decreasing with emerging demand and the project costs promise further

decline from the present (2011) $180/ m2 to $50/m2 by 2015. This translates to the material costs hitting

the below-$1-per-Watt figure by 2015 from the present day cost of over $6/Watt. (Shrotriya, 2011).

Overall the reduction in flexi-PV technology, as shown in Table-X, offers a very viable strategy to aim

for Net Zero status by a phase-wise increasing the on-site renewable production by applying flexi-PV to

most of the ETFE roof eventually.

Figure 13: Flexi-PV Cost Projections (Shrotriya, 2011)

4.2. INTEGRATED WATER &WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES4.2.1. ECOCYCLETSYSTEM OF WASTE TREATMENTEcocyclET offers 3-fold benefits for the project Pollution prevention (waste water seepage into the

brook) + Savings (waste disposal) + Bio-energy Production (willow chips). It does so by utilizing the

evapo-transpiration potential in plant leaves, to transpire water into the atmosphere while the roots of the

plants are breaking down the effluents in the sewage waste. The EcocyclET system proposed in our

project (explained in Figure X) will utilize willow shrub Salix viminalis L., which has a proven track

record in such applications. The harvested

willow will be chipped and used for fuel.

(Del Porto, 2011).

Cost & Savings Component: We have

earmarked a total area of 40,000 sq. ft of the

plot land for cultivation of the willow shrub

(as indicated in Figure-X). The willow

transpires/ processes at a rate of 200 gallons of

waste water per 600 sq. ft of plantation (Del

Porto, 2011). Thus the available 40,000 sq.ft

Figure 14: EcocyclET (Del Porto, 2011)


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of willow shrubs can process approximately 13,000 gallons of waste water daily. Although this represents

a very small percentage of the expected

The total include equipment costs, living plants, piping, aeration system, sand and gravel media, two-

chambered septic tank with outlet filter for pretreatment, pump, disinfection system, control and alarm,

and valves. The cost analysis derived from the report by David Del Porto shows that a typical 200 gallon

EcocyclET Unit will cost $22.24 per month in addition to the capital cost of $ 18,500. (Del Porto, 2011)

4.2.2. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLANFor the preparation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), the following measures have

been proposed for the Net Zero Sports facility: (USEPA, 2007)

Site stabilization: From the Soil Excavation phase, where soils are extracted and collected on thesite, every time a particular portion of the soil is excavated, the periphery of the area has to be

protected to prevent sedimentation and pollution into the other parts of the site.

Pipe slope drains need to be used, to prevent pollution of the Trout Brook, and site run off towardsthe brook can be controlled using sediment/silt fence described below.

While preparing the site, the already contaminated groundwater is proposed to be removed from thesite, collected and treated in the facility or transported outside. Further infiltration of water into the

site can be prevented by retaining the already existing natural vegetation of the site (shrubs and

grasses) until the area has been excavated. Effective rain water harvesting described in this report

can eventually re-charge the ground water.

Sediment fences can be installed around the periphery of the site, while cleaning and during theconstruction phase to prevent damage into residential areas, the recycling facility, and commercial

zone and into eco-sensitive areas like the Trout Brook and the wetland portion of the site.

Figure 15: Sediment Fence (Image:http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdf)
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sw_swppp_guide.pdf


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4.2.3. RAINWATER HARVESTING:The design of the sports complex to achieve water efficiency credits calls for a rainwater harvesting

system, that can provide sedimentation control, conserve water, reduce water costs and in turn benefit the

site structure and habitat by protecting it. The Fig. shows the different components of a rainwater

harvesting system and various applications in a commercial sports facility.

In this project rainwater harvesting from the site is important through design of channels along periphery

of the Trout Brook, to ensure less sedimentation, to protect the surface soils, and to prevent flooding.

Roof rainwater harvesting is made possible through Green Roofs, designed to control storm water

drainage, and through the ETFE roofs, that have joints specifically designed to channelize and collect

rainwater. (Refer figure)

Figure 16: Rainwater Harvesting System


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4.2.4. HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER FIXTURESFor compliance with the Water Efficiency

Credit for 20% - 30% reduction in Water

Savings, our team recommends high efficiency

fixtures with water saving potential. The brand

selected for all fittings and fixtures is TOTO,

USA. Our team suggests this brand because of

their responsible environmental stewardship,

analyzing the LCA of all fixtures to improve

sustainability, promote efficiency and quality

throughout their range of products. The reduction shown below will reflect in the overall sewage

generated per day on site and thus reduce the volume of sewage that has to be taken off site for treatment.

Invalid source specified.

Cost & Savings Component: The savings from each type of fixture/ fitting is shown in Figure

4.3. GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPA ground source heat pump (GSHP) functions as a central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat

to/or from the ground. In the winter it uses the earth as a heat source while in the summer it uses the earth

as a heat sink. It utilizes soil temperature 10-15 feet below grade, which is relatively constant at 50

70F. GSHP thus boosts energy efficiency and reduces operational costs of heating and cooling systems

buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled GSHP as the most energy

efficient, cost-effective and environmentally clean space conditioning technology available. (EPA, 1993)

Figure 17: Efficiency of TOTO products (Image: TOTO)

Figure 18: . Reduction in Water Usage (Image: TOTO)


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Benefits:

Carbon emission control, due to zero emissions and utilization of freely available ground energy. High efficiency of the system over a period of time, and has a 5-6 year payback period

GSHP are more efficient than conventional HVAC technologies, and air-source heat pumps.

. (Collins,

Orio, & Smiriglio, 2002)

In the heating mode, the GSHPtechnology saves about 30% - 70%

energy and in cooling mode energy

savings of20% - 50% can be achieved.

For meeting the energy demands of the Net

Zero Sports Complex, our team will install a

Ground Coupled Heat Pump system

Cost & Savings Component: Geothermal pumps are high on capital costs in comparison to their

conventional counterparts. A typical geothermal heat pump of 10 tons capacity costs between $500 to

$500 per ton Table Typical Geothermal (Collins, Orio, & Smiriglio, 2002). The installation costs reduce

as the heating/cooling loads of the building increases. Since the Net Zero Sports complex has an area of

about 70,000 sqft and an expected high occupancy load especially during the peak seasons, the heating/

cooling loads have to be designed for higher efficiency, contributing to the total number of tons and in

turn reducing the initial installation costs. (RETScreen International, 2001-2005)

(GCHP),

a closed loop fluid transfer mechanism that

circulates water or an antifreeze medium

between the ground and the heat pump. The

Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger (GHX),

causes minimal disturbance of the landscape,

and though more expensive than other counterparts

like the Horizontal heat exchanger, they require less

piping in comparison due to stable temperatures at greater depths. The pipes are laid out in loops, into

boreholes varying from 45 to 150 m deep. Our team has proposed Climate Master geothermal pump tosuit the heating and cooling loads of the sports complex.

4.4. OTHER STRATEGIESLED Lighting

Having ETFE membrane roofing over the soccer fields will cater to abundant day-light for any sports

inside the facility. However, the light level & quality required (as described in Table X (The Football

Association, 2005)) for multiple games during night generates a huge demand for electricity for

Figure 19: Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger for a GCHP system

(RETScreen International, 2001-2005)


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floodlighting the stadia. Furthermore, if the client wishes to adopt the MUGA principle, several sport

activities require Class 1 grade of lighting.

Lighting Characteristic Requirements as per Sport Played

Class 1 Activity Class 2 Activity Class 3 Activity

Maintained Average Luminance 750 500 300

Uniformity (Min/ Average) 0.70 0.7 0.7Such high levels of lighting if conventionally met will require huge amounts of electricity. Lighting

contributes to 22% of the electricity consumed in the United States. It is all the more imperative that a

highly sustainable lighting strategy must be adopted for the Net Zero Sports facility. Off late, Light

Emitting Diode (LED) lighting has emerged as a leading sustainable light fixture. Continuous

advancements in LED technology ensure that the

production is becoming easier and the costs are therefore

coming down. In fact various studies have shown that in

the Life Cycle of conventional light fixture, 96-98% of the

energy is consumed only for generating light, while less

than 2% is consumed in the production of the fixture

itself. (Hansen, 2009). LEDs on the other hand produce

the same lumens as other, using less power (6-8 Watts

instead of 60 W used by Incandescent Bulbs)

(Design Recycle Inc., undated). In addition it

emits less heat and thus helps reduce cooling

load. Because it saves electricity, it helps to

reduce the corresponding greenhouse gas

emissions.

We proposed to have high-bay LED lights,

along the metal space frames supporting the

ETFE membrane roof. The long life of the LED

lights itself is a huge plus point, as the owner will not have to employ frequent maintenance services to

replace lamps. In a case study similar to this project, the Dyer Indoor Soccer Arena, which has two

indoor soccer fields and a tennis court, claims to have achieved 60% reduction in their lighting energy,

after they replaced their conventional high-bay light fixture with LED. (ledmagazine, 2011). In another

case study, Interstate Warehousing facilities in Indiana found that the cost of lighting their newly

expanded section dropped from $0.51 to $0.04 per sq. ft. (ledmagazine, 2011).

Figure 21: (Graham, 2009)

Figure 20: www.crusaderathletics.org/images/


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Special Material: Field Turf

Field turf is an artificial turf made out of recycled plastics, certified as 100% lead free. It is certified with

USGBC & helps in LEED credit. This material does not require any watering and requires very little

maintenance. Since it does not allow water to stand and it quickly drains water to its periphery from

where channels can connect it to rain water harvesting system, it is ideally suited for small patches oflawns (in the courtyards), on roof tops, etc. We are also specifying this material as the flooring for the

soccer fields, as it exhibits very sturdy properties and is very durable. (FieldTurf, 2011)

Clima-Deck Hollow Core slabs

In order to maximize the benefits of the renewable energy

resource that maintains the comfort of the residents of the

building, our team decided to integrate the air supply with

the structure of the building using a hollow core

technology that promotes radiant cooling or heating.

The Clima-Deck hollow core slab system facilitates

addition of thermal storage into the building by circulating

air through the system. This system can be combined with

any type of Air-Conditioning/Air Handling units (AHU)

units. The AHU supplies air to each floor in the building,

through horizontal ducts placed in central corridors within false ceilings. Small branch ducts feed each

slab, transferring air to the floors inside through diffusers fixed to the slab outlets.

In case of the indoor soccer stadia where ETFE membrane roof is specified, the air supply will have to be

provided through main ducts, while the other public spaces like office areas, caf and the shopping zones

can benefit from this technology. To integrate the system further with other sustainability strategies, we

recommend that an efficient heat recovery loop be added at the entry and exit of air to the ClimaDeck

system. This will help to recovery/ reuse some of the waste-heat/cooling from the return air of habitable

space within the building or from the GSHP. (EPA, 1993)

Indoor Environmental Quality

For monitoring & maintaining comfortable levels of Indoor

Air Quality, we looked into a reliable automation system,

which could provide multi-faceted uses within the system to

integrate building automation with human occupancy &

comfort levels. We suggest Honeywell Commercial Range

of Products that can cater to different credits in LEED.

Figure 22: Air circulation through Clima-Deck slab

(EPA, 1993)

Figure 23: Honeywell Range of Products


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Bicycle Storage

The FTE calculation for bicycle racks and showers have

been taken into account considering 30 Full Time

Equivalent Employees for the Sports Facility. A visiting

crowd of 200 has been considered to calculate the actualbicycle storage needed. However, to promote energy

efficient transportation and to earn exemplary Credit for the

Innovation in Design category, the CycleSafe bicycle secure

parking units have been provided in excess numbers of the

actual calculation. Required Number of Bicycle storage= 7 (Reference Engineering Express, 2011)

Number of Bicycle Racks Provided= 20 (Sustainability team suggestion)

5. IMPLEMENTATION/APPLICATION OF STRATEGIES5.1. LEEDCERTIFICATION STRATEGYThe client has been keen to adopt sustainability measures in the design of the Net Zero Sports Complex

through the adoption of the LEED rating system. Our team integrated our efforts to build on this strategy,

so that the sports complex follows Integrated Sustainability Design on one hand, while on the other hand,

it gains recognition and community acceptance by adhering to the principles of LEED. All LEED (version

2.2, New Construction) credits and strategies implemented while the Net Zero Sports Complex was

conceived have been outlined in the tables that follow:

Table 1: Sustainable Sites 11/ 14 possible points

Credits Strategy implemented Points

SS Prerequisite 1: ConstructionActivity Pollution Prevention

Proposed a SWPPP based on the USEPA guidelines, duringexcavation and during construction phase.

SS Credit 2: Development Density &Community Connectivity

Residential area+ close proximity towards the following activitiesfrom the entrance of the building on Ashland street Ashlandschool, food outlet, Inn, Shopping plaza, Beauty supply, Park,Pharmacy, Sports bar, Hardware shops, Convenience Grocery(Reference: Google Maps, 2011)

1

SS Credit 3: BrownfieldRedevelopment

Listed by EPA as a Brownfield, currently developed for the

complex.

1

SS Credit 4.1: AlternativeTransportation: Public TransportationAccess

Located on Ashland streets with adequate bus stops within the mile radius (Reference: Google Maps, 2011)

1

SS Credit 4.2: AlternativeTransportation: Bicycle Storage &Changing Rooms

Bicycle racks for 5% users (7 numbers) and shower and changingfacilities for .5% of FTE users

1

SS Credit 4.3: AlternativeTransportation: Low Emitting & Fuel

Low emitting and fuel efficient car park for 5% of total Parkingfacility = 10 car parks (Reference: Area Calculation)

1

Figure 24: CycleSafe Bicycle racks www.engexp.com
http://www.en/http://www.en/http://www.en/


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Efficient Vehicles

SS Credit 4.4: AlternativeTransportation: Parking Capacity

Parking meets local parking requirements, 10 dedicated car pool /van pool parking

1

SS Credit 5.1: Site Development:Protect or Restore Habitat

Native vegetation covers 50% of the site area 1

SS Credit 5.2: Site Development:

Maximize Open Space

Vegetated area provided equal to the footprint of the building 1

SS Credit 6.1: Storm water Design:Quantity Control

More than 50% of the site is naturally pervious, best storm watermanagement plans incorporated like rainwater harvesting.

1

SS Credit 6.2: Storm water Design:Quality Control

Permeable pavements, EcocycIET technology, etc; ensures thequality of rainwater captured

1

SS Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof

50% covered parking provided 1

Table 2: Innovation & Design Process 2/4 Possible Points

CreditsStrategy Implemented Points

ID Credit 2: LEED AccreditedProfessional

LEED AP, Deepthy (Project Team Member) 1

Innovation in Design CycleSafe storage racks 1

Table 3: Water Efficiency 5/5 Possible points


WE Credit 1.1: Water EfficientLandscaping: Reduce by 50%

Sufficient reduction in potable water usage for irrigation byrecycling water on site, rainwater harvesting, etc

1

WE Credit 1.2: Water EfficientLandscaping: No Potable Water Useor No Irrigation

Non- potable irrigation can be met by the water that is produced bythe EcocycIET technology

1

WE Credit 2: Innovative WastewaterTechnologies

Treat 50% of water on site to tertiary standards through theEcocycIET

1

WE Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction:20% Reduction

Use of high efficiency fixtures, urinals, faucets, shower heads, etc. 1

WE Credit 3.2: Water Use Reduction:30% Reduction

Use of high efficiency fixtures, urinals, faucets, shower heads, etc. 1

Table 4: Energy & Atmosphere 6/17 Possible points


Prereq 1 FundamentalCommissioning of the BuildingEnergy Systems

The CxA to be designated by the project members to co-ordinatewith the client and ensure the proper functioning of the buildingsenergy systems.

Prereq 2 Minimum Energy

Performance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard to be met by the building

design.Prereq 3 Fundamental RefrigerantManagement

CFC free refrigerant HVAC systems to be specified in the Net ZeroSports Complex

EA Credit 2 On-Site RenewableEnergy

With the design of a GSHP and PV panels on the faade design,the team hopes to achieve maximum credit for renewable energy.

3

EA Credit 3 EnhancedCommissioning

Account for enhanced commissioning of building systems byappointing the CxA early in the design process.

1

EA Credit 5 Measurement &Verification

Agreement to submit a Measurement and Verification Plan for theongoing accountability of building energy systems

1


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EA Credit 6 Green Power The team shall strive to ensure that 35% of the Total Energy use ofthe Sports Complex comes through renewable energy resources.

1

Table 5: Materials & Resources 5/ 13 Possible Points


MR Prerequisi te 1: Storage &Collection of Recyclables

The sites proximity to recycling plants in Brockton is supplementedby the provision of a scrap/ waste storage facility to clear wasteson site on a two-three day basis.

MR Credit 2.1: Construction WasteManagement: Divert 50% FromDisposal

The design team shall ensure that construction debris; landclearing debris and demolition wastes shall be recycled andappropriately sorted on site.

1

MR Credit 2.2: Construction WasteManagement: Divert 75% FromDisposal

The design team shall ensure that construction debris; landclearing debris and demolition wastes shall be recycled andappropriately sorted on site.

1

MR Credit 5.1: Regional Materials:10% Extracted, Processed &Manufactured Regionally

The design team shall evaluate major cost contributing materialslike concrete slabs, steel structures and finishing materials andsource it from local companies within the 500 mile site radius.

1

MR Credit 5.2: Regional Materials:

20% Extracted, Processed &Manufactured Regionally

The design team shall evaluate major cost contributing materials

like concrete slabs, steel structures and finishing materials andsource it from local companies within the 500 mile site radius.

1

MR Credit 6: Rapidly RenewableMaterials

MR Credit 7: Certifi ed Wood 50% of Wood based products shall be certified by the FSC 1

Table 6: Indoor Environmental Quality 12/ 15 Points


EQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum IAQPerformance

ASHRAE 62.1-2004 minimum ventilation requirements shall be met

EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental

Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control 58

Smoking shall be prohibited inside the building and shall have

designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from entries andoperable windows and other air intake sources.

EQ Credit 1: Outdoor Air DeliveryMonitoring

CO2 sensors shall be provided throughout the building to ensurethat the indoor CO2 levels are under check.Direct outdoor air flow movement devices must be installed tocheck variation by 15% against the standard ASHRAE 62.1-2004

1

EQ Credit 2: Increased Ventilation Outdoor air ventilation made possible through terracotta faadecladding and the courtyard structures that open into the occupantspaces. Calculations will be done to ensure that 30% increasedventilation is achieved from the baseline requirement of ASHRAE62.1-2004.

1

EQ Credit 3.1: Construction IAQManagement Plan: During

Construction

Indoor Air Quality Management Plan for the construction and pre-occupancy phases of the building.

1

EQ Credit 3.2: Construction IAQManagement Plan: Before Occupancy

Indoor Air Quality Management Plan for the pre-occupancy phasesof the building.

1

EQ Credit 4.1: Low-EmittingMaterials: Adhesives & Sealants

Adhesives and sealants must be specified in ConstructionDocuments to stick to the VOC limit of the SCAQMD RULE #1168

1

EQ Credit 4.2: Low-EmittingMaterials: Paints & Coatings

All paints and coatings to stick to the norms of the Green Sealstandards and the SCAQMD specifications.

1

EQ Credit 4.3: Low-EmittingMaterials: Carpet Systems

All carpet installed in the building interior shall meet the testing andproduct requirements of the Carpet and

1


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Rug Institutes Green Label Plus program.All carpet cushion installed in the building interior shall meet therequirements of the Carpet and Rug InstituteGreen Label program.All carpet adhesive shall meet the requirements of EQ Credit 4.1:VOC limit of 50 g/L.

EQ Credit 4.4: Low-EmittingMaterials: Composite Wood &Agrifiber Products

Urea formaldehyde resins should not be present in the Compositewood and Agri-fiber Products specified in the interiors of thebuilding.

1

EQ Credit 5: Indoor Chemical &Pollutant Source Control

Pollutant control entryway systems to be designed for the buildingentry and all major entry/exit points.

1

EQ Credit 6.1: Controllability ofSystems: Lighting

Workspaces and other private spaces have been proposed to havelighting controls and sensors.Public spaces like the stadia, corridors, lobbies, caf, etc. musthave lighting requirements to suit the purpose and the lightingneeded.

1

EQ Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort:Design

Comfortable thermal design to suit specifications of ASHRAEstandard 55-2004 in place.

1

EQ Credit 7.2: Thermal Comfort:

Verification

Assessment of building occupant comfort post occupancy ensured. 1

EQ Credit 8.1: Daylight & Views:Daylight 75% of Spaces

Ample day lighting provided with the use of ETFE roofs, windows,and light wells into the building.

EQ Credit 8.2: Daylight & Views:Views for 90% of Spaces

Ample day lighting provided with the use of ETFE roofs, windows,and light wells into the building.

5.2. CHALLENGESa) Upfront CostsThis is one of the biggest deterrents that scare people away from the concept of Zero Net EnergyBuildings. Although the energy and utility savings are tremendous in the long run, prohibitively high

capital investments might be a difficult step to convince the client to take. In our case, the biggest cost

component will be the ETFE membrane roof and the photovoltaic panels integrated with the faade/

roof. (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009). An extensive LCA of these components need to be undertaken,

where LCC associated with each component can be shown along with its anticipated payback period.

b) Building Energy InformationThis challenge relates to the widespread unavailability of information pertaining to buildings

performance and real-time consumption data. These include the data pertaining to the building underdesign, as well as existing buildings so as to compare the proposed design to a baseline model. The

information available on the information portals, are largely varied and do not talk the same technical

language. A uniform and consistent methodology needs to be adopted while collecting performance

data. Also a verification mechanism must be included in the program whereby the collected data/

information can be authenticated as genuine. (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009)

Total LEED Credits Achieved by the Sustainability Team = 41/ 69

Project LEED Eligibility = LEED Gold Rating


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c) IDP LogisticsAlthough ideal, clients, consultants and contractors mostly do not take kindly to the efforts required at

an early IDP. Sooner the IDP process is started, the easier it is to control and optimize the design.

However it is equally tedious to get all parties on-board at the onset of the project. This requires

tremendous commitment from both the client as well as the designers. Most importantly, it is the

responsibility of the consultant to instigate a positive outlook towards sustainability, throughout the

design and construction of the project.

5.3. OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGYMeasures being taken at a State level, by introduction of ZNEB Task Force by the State of Massachusetts,

is one of the promising signs that Net Zero Energy building are becoming a reality. It is because some of

the first ZNEB buildings are already presenting themselves as case studies for exemplary savings &

energy use reduction. We use such signs as one of our strongest points to build this sustainability case and

we implore the client to undertake implementation of the strategies in a systematic manner.

A Gradual Up-Scaling of Strategies

A phasing plan, wherein the sustainability strategies can be applied, commissioned and run in gradual

steps, upgrading them to their full potential in a targeted few years. For example, the flexi-PV panels on

the ETFE can to install in phases, slowly increasing the onsite energy production over a few months or

years, till the entire surface of ETFE roof is utilized for this purpose. This creates a buy-in of the clients

confidence as he gets to see real-time benefits of the strategy even before he has invested the full capital.

Renewable sources to replace Non-Renewable Ones

One of the first steps towards ZNEB is to reduce the buildings energy demand and the best place to start

with this is to reduce the use of fossil fuel (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009). Our proposed systems take to

this task by systematically reducing demand for energy from fossil fuel. For example, natural gas required

for heating will get reduced due to the GSHP working in tandem with the radiant heating of floor slabs.

Supplement with Net Zero Emissions Plan

The target of reaching Net zero in onsite energy generation can be effectively supplemented by a net zero

emissions plan. This would entail adopting an effective GHG Reduction plan for the facilitys emissions.

Based on the facilitys GHG inventory, the client or his sustainability advisor can document a

commitment to report its emissions to organizations such the Climate Registry (CR) or the World

Resources Institute (WRI). After adopting a suitable baseline year, the Reduction Plan must set a target

for emissions reduction based on Kyoto Protocol, ultimately leading to Zero Carbon status. (CR-GRP,

2008) (WRI & WBCSD). Since GHG reduction is focused on carbon neutrality by reduction of emissions

mainly from burning of fossil fuels, it reinforces the ZNEB goal of our project.


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Operational Sustainability

In as much as it is important to achieve sustainability in design and performance of the building, it is also

equally important to attain parity in managing the sports complex. We shall advice the client to employ a

sound facility management strategy as well. There are qualifying accreditations available in this regard,

such as the Certified Arena Operator Program offered by the US Indoor Sports Association (USIndoor,

2011). Programs like these focus on day-to-day management of facilities like our project, by inculcating a

systems approach within the accredited facility manager. Having such competent professionals onboard

early, will add substantial assurance that the strategies will get implemented.

6. SUMMARYWe would summarize our report by reiterating what we started it with. The number of strategies proposed

and their applicability need not remain a constant. If during the design process operations and

commissioning were thought about, then any number of upgrades can be made to the program, without

losing its intrinsic fundamental. All of this is possible, ONLY if the design follows an Integrated Design

Process, which weaves together the requirements of multi-disciplinary groups, into tangible action items.

Another aspect to consider is that, a win-win combination of low energy requirements and economical

design is NOT always possible. In the real world, such combinations seldom occur. However economical

solutions can be sought if engineering requirements can serve as inputs into the architectural design, at a

very early stage of the project. (Kibert, 2008).

Designers must possess a wider perspective of looking for & looking at solutions. They must refrain from

being blinded by a mere single aspect of a particular system or product, but must inculcate a holistic

approach. A system which is very efficient might not have a feasible LCC; a product that is 100%

recyclable might not have good climatic characteristics, etc. The selections of our materials and systems

for the Net Zero Sports Complex are based on the same principal of catering to multiple-tenets of

sustainability. They also have a good balance of precautionary and reversibility principles. (Kibert,

2008). But then in the end, their real value at the end of their life cycle must be assessed in order to judge

their applicability on the project. (MA ZNEB Task Force, 2009)

The success of this project as a Net Zero Energy building lies, not in the fact that it focuses on a high

renewable energy production capacity, but it lies in the details of how the systems work together to first

reduce any energy demands, then how they reuse some of the elements which otherwise gets categorized

as wastes and finally then in how the systems integrate together to make the building work together as a

synchronized, efficient unit.


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