Targeting a net-zero energy student center: Part 1 - Thermal and electrical load minimization

In the pursuit of sustainability, a change to the standard building design process, which normally starts with an architect followed by a civil engineer then lastly a mechanical engineer designing the HVAC and energy system, has been suggested. The proposed design process will have a mechanical engineer design the thermal envelop, HVAC and related energy systems first so that operational energy efficiency was the first goal achieved in the …