Event Description

As the building industry moves toward more stringent zero-emissions goals, stakeholders across the AEC industry must master and implement Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) throughout the building lifecycle. This afternoon session provides a comprehensive look at achieving carbon reductions and neutrality through both strategic planning and technical execution, featuring two panels of experts who will provide diverse perspectives.

The first panel brings together sustainability leaders from manufacturing, sustainability consulting and construction, who will discuss the intersection of design intent and project delivery. They will explore the intersection of material durability, recyclability, and whole-life embodied carbon reduction in high-performance building design. Through practical detailing strategies, life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, and other industry tools, the session offers a framework for balancing complex, competing material criteria without compromising carbon performance or assembly resilience.

The second panel includes an architect and a regenerative design professional who will present recent and leading-edge all-electric building case studies. They will share practical insights from early stage goal-setting, community engagement, and all design phases to final execution. Case studies include an all-electric affordable housing project — on track for zero net energy - built with modular technology to speed delivery, and a county office building that integrates all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy, battery storage, and microgrid controls to support both sustainability and critical operations during emergencies  

Learning Objectives (2 LUS - AIA HSW and California ZNCD)

1. Explain the fundamental principles of zero net carbon design (ZNCD), including the core principles of energy efficiency, low-embodied carbon materials, and renewable energy.

2. Show familiarity with life cycle assessment (LCA) and strategies such as material durability and recyclability that help reduce the embodied carbon footprint of building materials and assemblies.

3. Explain key considerations for reducing carbon impacts for non-residential and multi-family residential buildings.

4. Describe successful ZNC buildings that have applied strategies such as all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy and/or battery storage.