The best of GREENBUILD Carbon Neutral Design

2. Greenhouse gases: CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and the fluorinated gases (human made): Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) Greenhouse gases: CO2, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and the fluorinated gases (human made): Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

3. CO2 does not cause a hole in the ozone layer! CO2E: the standard unit is MtCO2e or metric tons or tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. For example, one million tons of emitted methane, a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is measured as 23 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, or 23 million MtCO2e. CO2 does not cause a hole in the ozone layer! CO2E: the standard unit is MtCO2e or metric tons or tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. For example, one million tons of emitted methane, a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is measured as 23 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, or 23 million MtCO2e.

4. About Ocean AcidificationThe ocean absorbs approximately one-fourth of the CO2 added to the atmosphere from human activities each year, greatly reducing the impact of this greenhouse gas on climate. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, carbonic acid is formed.� This phenomenon, called ocean acidification, is decreasing the ability of many marine organisms to build their shells and skeletal structure. Damage to populations of the tiniest plants and creatures can spread through an entire food chain, throwing it out of balance. About Ocean AcidificationThe ocean absorbs approximately one-fourth of the CO2 added to the atmosphere from human activities each year, greatly reducing the impact of this greenhouse gas on climate. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, carbonic acid is formed.� This phenomenon, called ocean acidification, is decreasing the ability of many marine organisms to build their shells and skeletal structure. Damage to populations of the tiniest plants and creatures can spread through an entire food chain, throwing it out of balance.

5. READ NOTES FIRST. Zero Energy Design differs from Carbon Neutral Design in that it is more concerned with the reduction of the operating energy requirements for a building, focusing on zero fossil energy use. Example: Combustion on site of wood does not count against you. Lots of Definitions, from ASHRAE to EERE to DOE, but one thing is agreed upon: Net ZEBs are very energy-efficient buildings, with the remaining low energy needs typically met through on-site renewable energy. The Department of Energy provides supplementary definitions based upon different cases of Net Zero. Preferred renewable resources would be solar and wind, but renewable resources can include biomass, wood chips and other waste materials, as long as they are from renewable sources. Obviously the burning of any type of fuel, fossil or renewable, results in carbon emissions � creating one of the significant differences of the goals of Zero Net Energy and Carbon Neutral Design.READ NOTES FIRST. Zero Energy Design differs from Carbon Neutral Design in that it is more concerned with the reduction of the operating energy requirements for a building, focusing on zero fossil energy use. Example: Combustion on site of wood does not count against you. Lots of Definitions, from ASHRAE to EERE to DOE, but one thing is agreed upon: Net ZEBs are very energy-efficient buildings, with the remaining low energy needs typically met through on-site renewable energy. The Department of Energy provides supplementary definitions based upon different cases of Net Zero. Preferred renewable resources would be solar and wind, but renewable resources can include biomass, wood chips and other waste materials, as long as they are from renewable sources. Obviously the burning of any type of fuel, fossil or renewable, results in carbon emissions � creating one of the significant differences of the goals of Zero Net Energy and Carbon Neutral Design.

7. 2030 Challenge is not considering the carbon implications of construction, the materials used in the building, the use of the building or associated transportation costs. It is felt that the impact of operational energy is of greater significance as its negative costs to the environment will persist for the life of the building. The UK has clear sights set on reducing carbon numbers through energy efficiency and the use of renewables, paying less attention to materials, indoor environmental quality, whereas the North American rating systems are non specific about carbon, and focus more in issues of site selection, water, indoor air quality, sourcing of materials, as well as energy. An examination of the summation of the UK and North American initiatives could result in a complementary set of concerns. 2030 Challenge is not considering the carbon implications of construction, the materials used in the building, the use of the building or associated transportation costs. It is felt that the impact of operational energy is of greater significance as its negative costs to the environment will persist for the life of the building. The UK has clear sights set on reducing carbon numbers through energy efficiency and the use of renewables, paying less attention to materials, indoor environmental quality, whereas the North American rating systems are non specific about carbon, and focus more in issues of site selection, water, indoor air quality, sourcing of materials, as well as energy. An examination of the summation of the UK and North American initiatives could result in a complementary set of concerns.

8. Note: Can use offsets in CND but not ZEBNote: Can use offsets in CND but not ZEB

11. Of primary importance is the carbon connected to operational energy. The burning of fossil fuels connected with operating buildings is responsible for approximately 70 to 80% of the CO2 footprint of the building. Building materials: Embodied energy is extremely complicated to calculate as the issues surrounding manufacturing vary from place to place. Must consider the trade-offs: Materials themselves are able to make differing contributions to the overall energy efficiency of a building. The increased embodied energy of a material such as concrete may be warranted due to its ability to store heat (free passive solar heat!). Carbon is created by the people and their activities, including transportation to and from work, business travel and other organizational activities. The travel distance to the building factors in heavily to this aspect of carbon, as well as the means of transportation. This focus aligns with several LEED� credits in the Sustainable Sites category. The assessment of can be done using Personal Carbon Footprint calculators. Site disturbance during construction releases carbon into the atmosphere. The more the site can be left alone, and the construction/excavation impacts minimized, the less CO2 is released. The eventual landscape treatment, choice of planting and materials can begin to sequester carbon for the life of the project. Hence landscape + site straddle the line between offending and assisting in balancing the carbon equation. Renewables and On-Site Generation of non CO2 emitting energy is needed to balance all of the CO2 produced by all of the other impact and CO2 generation mechanisms.Of primary importance is the carbon connected to operational energy. The burning of fossil fuels connected with operating buildings is responsible for approximately 70 to 80% of the CO2 footprint of the building. Building materials: Embodied energy is extremely complicated to calculate as the issues surrounding manufacturing vary from place to place. Must consider the trade-offs: Materials themselves are able to make differing contributions to the overall energy efficiency of a building. The increased embodied energy of a material such as concrete may be warranted due to its ability to store heat (free passive solar heat!). Carbon is created by the people and their activities, including transportation to and from work, business travel and other organizational activities. The travel distance to the building factors in heavily to this aspect of carbon, as well as the means of transportation. This focus aligns with several LEED� credits in the Sustainable Sites category. The assessment of can be done using Personal Carbon Footprint calculators. Site disturbance during construction releases carbon into the atmosphere. The more the site can be left alone, and the construction/excavation impacts minimized, the less CO2 is released. The eventual landscape treatment, choice of planting and materials can begin to sequester carbon for the life of the project. Hence landscape + site straddle the line between offending and assisting in balancing the carbon equation. Renewables and On-Site Generation of non CO2 emitting energy is needed to balance all of the CO2 produced by all of the other impact and CO2 generation mechanisms.

12. Carbon Neutral Design is a subset of Sustainable Design. Buildings that are currently including issues of sustainable design are likely already addressing some aspects that support carbon reductions. But they aren�t quantifying it. Carbon Neutral Design is a subset of Sustainable Design. Buildings that are currently including issues of sustainable design are likely already addressing some aspects that support carbon reductions. But they aren�t quantifying it.

13. The key difference between Carbon Neutral Design and Sustainable Ratings Systems lies in the very specific focus on carbon reduction, versus the very broad and holistic mandate of Sustainable Rating Systems, which include ALL aspects of the impact of the building on the environment. It is quite possible to design a Sustainable Building that does little to reduce its carbon footprint. The key difference between Carbon Neutral Design and Sustainable Ratings Systems lies in the very specific focus on carbon reduction, versus the very broad and holistic mandate of Sustainable Rating Systems, which include ALL aspects of the impact of the building on the environment. It is quite possible to design a Sustainable Building that does little to reduce its carbon footprint.

14. Credit weightings: A major advancement that comes with LEED 2009 is that credits will now have different weightings depending on their ability to impact different environmental and human health concerns. With revised credit weightings, LEED now awards more points for strategies that will have greater positive impacts on what matters most � energy efficiency and CO2 reductions. Each credit was evaluated against a list of 13 environmental impact categories, including climate change, indoor environmental quality, resource depletion and water intake, among many others. The impact categories were prioritized, and credits were assigned a value based on how they contributed to mitigating each impact. The result revealed each credit�s portion of the big picture, giving the most value to credits that have the highest potential for making the biggest change. The credits are all intact; they are just worth different amounts. As a result, LEED 2009 will operate on a 100-point scale. Approx � of the weighting was due to carbon.Credit weightings: A major advancement that comes with LEED 2009 is that credits will now have different weightings depending on their ability to impact different environmental and human health concerns. With revised credit weightings, LEED now awards more points for strategies that will have greater positive impacts on what matters most � energy efficiency and CO2 reductions. Each credit was evaluated against a list of 13 environmental impact categories, including climate change, indoor environmental quality, resource depletion and water intake, among many others. The impact categories were prioritized, and credits were assigned a value based on how they contributed to mitigating each impact. The result revealed each credit�s portion of the big picture, giving the most value to credits that have the highest potential for making the biggest change. The credits are all intact; they are just worth different amounts. As a result, LEED 2009 will operate on a 100-point scale. Approx � of the weighting was due to carbon.

15. The maximum target for renewable energy is a 20% contribution. A building can become Certified without using any renewable energy. Green Power is also optional. This suggests that it will be necessary to target LEED� Platinum and higher to be able to eventually reduce carbon emissions. But even if designing to meet LEED� Platinum, it does infer that the criteria that have been developed will require specific interpretation, extension and calculations to make them effective means to approach reducing our carbon emissions.The maximum target for renewable energy is a 20% contribution. A building can become Certified without using any renewable energy. Green Power is also optional. This suggests that it will be necessary to target LEED� Platinum and higher to be able to eventually reduce carbon emissions. But even if designing to meet LEED� Platinum, it does infer that the criteria that have been developed will require specific interpretation, extension and calculations to make them effective means to approach reducing our carbon emissions.

16. The proposed ASHRAE Standard 189.1 �Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings� is intended to work not to compete with, but as a complement to LEED�. Will be released in early 2010. USGBC is a sponsor. The structure of the Standard 189.1 topic areas is divided into mandatory credits that are required by all projects, plus prescriptive and performance options that are not required. Increased mandatory criteria felt necessary to address concerns that a �green building� may not be very energy efficient. It offers prescriptive and performance options that include considerations of building envelope design, insulation levels, electrical and mechanical equipment The prescriptive options are intended to be simple, requiring very few calculations thus encouraging compliance. The performance options are more sophisticated in their requirements (i.e. calculations) and so will require more effort, and by extension, less likely to be achieved. One of the calculations is for energy to be measured in an annual �CO2 equivalent� against a national average baseline � CO2e. Standard 189.1 targets larger commercial buildings of 4 stories or greater and purposefully excludes single-family housing, multi-family structures of three stories or fewer above grade, manufactured houses (mobile homes) and manufactured houses (modular). �Standard 189.1 is essential for the further promotion of high-performance green buildings in the United States and for reaching net-zero-energy goals,� says Kent Peterson, chair of the committee. Mandatory Energy: Metering and submetering. Solar Ready Mandatory Operations: EPA Energy Star Portfolio � required reporting of energy consumption Transportation Management Plan with 14% reduction in vehicular tripsThe proposed ASHRAE Standard 189.1 �Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings� is intended to work not to compete with, but as a complement to LEED�. Will be released in early 2010. USGBC is a sponsor.

18. Extending the sustainable design criteria to incorporate a new focus on low carbon practically infers that designers apply increasing levels of rigor in the adoption and incorporation of codes and protocols. These could be incrementally outlined as: Basic Code Compliance � meeting local building codes, national building codes, ASHRAE, and other legally required standards. Applying LEED, ASHRAE 189.1 standards in design � targeting the highest level of compliance for the chosen protocol, recognizing that compliance with any of these does not mean that carbon is accountable under any of these measures. Focus on Zero Carbon or Carbon Neutral � design of the building and its functions to minimize its direct and indirect contribution to carbon emissions. + It is also helpful to invoke Life Cycle Assessment in the design process. Extending the sustainable design criteria to incorporate a new focus on low carbon practically infers that designers apply increasing levels of rigor in the adoption and incorporation of codes and protocols. These could be incrementally outlined as: Basic Code Compliance � meeting local building codes, national building codes, ASHRAE, and other legally required standards. Applying LEED, ASHRAE 189.1 standards in design � targeting the highest level of compliance for the chosen protocol, recognizing that compliance with any of these does not mean that carbon is accountable under any of these measures. Focus on Zero Carbon or Carbon Neutral � design of the building and its functions to minimize its direct and indirect contribution to carbon emissions. + It is also helpful to invoke Life Cycle Assessment in the design process.

19. To build carbon neutral also suggests a paradigm shift from the classic 3 Rs, reduce, reuse and recycle. Helpful to keep these in mind as you design. Renew also includes reuse and recycle because it is a renewed use of a material.To build carbon neutral also suggests a paradigm shift from the classic 3 Rs, reduce, reuse and recycle. Helpful to keep these in mind as you design. Renew also includes reuse and recycle because it is a renewed use of a material.

20. Energy use is the current focus of most initiatives towards a state of carbon neutrality in building. Long term operating energy is considered to contribute more significantly to the greenhouse gas issue than other aspects of construction. The four basic steps that are required to begin to design a building to meet a zero carbon target are: SEE SLIDE #1 - Reduce loads/demand first: This must be the starting point for any carbon neutral design. Can�t achieve CND without it. #2 - Meet Loads Efficiently and Effectively: Again in order to be able to supply all of the required energy via renewables, the amount required needs to be trimmed down. Sensor systems can assist in eliminating loads for many types of equipment when their use is no longer required. This would include switching systems for lighting that recognizes both the amount of helpful daylight as well as the presence of occupants.Recently many high profile green buildings have come under fire as they have not been able to perform as well as they had been predicted. In many instances it was not the actual building that failed, but the use of the building that contributed to its poor energy ratings. Often the plug loads (computers, electric white boards and other electronic equipment) have been blamed for the bad performance levels. Occupant load and duration of work or occupation hours must also be accurate. Progress has been made in the design of sensors that are capable of shutting off entire rooms or areas when they become unoccupied. This answers the issue of �ghost� or �phantom� loads. Phantom loads happen when electric devices such as computers are turned off, but in fact draw a small amount of power to keep them in a standby mode. Occupant education and involvement will be critical in ensuring that many of the passive systems function optimally, but misuse or unintentional overuse of electrical equipment could easily throw off the entire energy balance. #3 - Use renewables to meet energy needs: Generally speaking, many of the energy requirements anticipated for carbon neutral buildings may assume electricity for their operation if the intention is to meet most of the energy needs through on site, non CO2 producing renewables. Once the building and equipment have been designed for maximum effectiveness and efficiency, it may be possible to generate 100% of the required electrical energy on site � although site characteristics, location, orientation and sheer size may make this more difficult. Dense urban sites are likely to pose the most difficulty in this regard. In many cases, renewable energy may be more easily met if smaller communities combine their efforts to create shared renewable resources. Overshadowing of the site must be taken into account as many types of photovoltaic cells have impaired performance if parts are set in shadow. Wind generation is likely to be the most contentious to incorporate as it is the least architecturally integrated of the systems and due to its appearance and acoustic issues, most likely to generate neighbor issues. #4 - Use purchased OffsetsEnergy use is the current focus of most initiatives towards a state of carbon neutrality in building. Long term operating energy is considered to contribute more significantly to the greenhouse gas issue than other aspects of construction.

21. Disturbance is Impact:Carbon is released into the atmosphere when earth is disturbed.. Designing the foundations to minimize impact might mean the use of micro-piles or drilled foundations in lieu of an open excavation so that less soil is overturned. Minimizing the moving of soil around the site for earth works will also limit unnecessary carbon release. Disturbance can kill trees, lowering the site potential for carbon reduction. Natural Ecosystems Sequester Carbon:There are significant scientific efforts underway to look at using the ability for the earth to sequester carbon in massive quantities through injection. Proper treatment of the landscape can keep this carbon in place (sequestration). This is in part related to reducing disturbance of the earth itself, and also related to the type of plantings that are chosen for the landscaping on the project.. Avoidance of annuals and the selection of perennials and low care ground covers can virtually eliminate the need for tilling and maintenance that disturbs the soil. Additionally healthy plants absorb more CO2. It is therefore possible to use the natural ecosystems on your site to assist in lowering the carbon footprint of your project Sequestering Carbon with the Building:In a holistic consideration of the carbon issues surrounding the built environment, the energy used to construct the building should also be considered. What types of tools and equipment are used in construction? Electrically powered tools can make use of available Green Power if the renewable sources are not yet in place on the site. The use of heavy equipment adds carbon use to the project as these typically run on diesel fuel. Wood from certified renewable sources, wood harvested from your property, or wood salvaged from demolition and saved from the landfill can often be considered net carbon sinks. Certified wood is addressed in existing green building protocols as is construction waste management. Harvesting wood in a sustainable fashion from the site property or by arrangement from a local forest is new to the carbon problem. Incorporating green roofs and living walls into the building design can assist in carbon sequestration and become part of the building itself. Disturbance is Impact:Carbon is released into the atmosphere when earth is disturbed.. Designing the foundations to minimize impact might mean the use of micro-piles or drilled foundations in lieu of an open excavation so that less soil is overturned. Minimizing the moving of soil around the site for earth works will also limit unnecessary carbon release. Disturbance can kill trees, lowering the site potential for carbon reduction. Natural Ecosystems Sequester Carbon:There are significant scientific efforts underway to look at using the ability for the earth to sequester carbon in massive quantities through injection. Proper treatment of the landscape can keep this carbon in place (sequestration). This is in part related to reducing disturbance of the earth itself, and also related to the type of plantings that are chosen for the landscaping on the project.. Avoidance of annuals and the selection of perennials and low care ground covers can virtually eliminate the need for tilling and maintenance that disturbs the soil. Additionally healthy plants absorb more CO2. It is therefore possible to use the natural ecosystems on your site to assist in lowering the carbon footprint of your project Sequestering Carbon with the Building:In a holistic consideration of the carbon issues surrounding the built environment, the energy used to construct the building should also be considered. What types of tools and equipment are used in construction? Electrically powered tools can make use of available Green Power if the renewable sources are not yet in place on the site. The use of heavy equipment adds carbon use to the project as these typically run on diesel fuel. Wood from certified renewable sources, wood harvested from your property, or wood salvaged from demolition and saved from the landfill can often be considered net carbon sinks. Certified wood is addressed in existing green building protocols as is construction waste management. Harvesting wood in a sustainable fashion from the site property or by arrangement from a local forest is new to the carbon problem. Incorporating green roofs and living walls into the building design can assist in carbon sequestration and become part of the building itself.

23. Carbon footprinting is to be differentiated from Eco-footprint calculators that measure one�s consumption in terms of the number of planets required to satisfy the consumption of transportation, housing and goods. Not directly related to the specific development of an architectural project the transportation value can be isolated within most of these online calculators. Carbon footprinting is to be differentiated from Eco-footprint calculators that measure one�s consumption in terms of the number of planets required to satisfy the consumption of transportation, housing and goods. Not directly related to the specific development of an architectural project the transportation value can be isolated within most of these online calculators.

24. This is a free calculator, simple to use and therefore of great benefit at the outset of a project. The impact analysis carried out through www.buildcarbonneutral.org provides a more general figure as relates to project inputsThis is a free calculator, simple to use and therefore of great benefit at the outset of a project. The impact analysis carried out through www.buildcarbonneutral.org provides a more general figure as relates to project inputs

25. Runs a DOE model of the existing building to provide the basis for reworking the design to reduce carbon via daylighting, PV, natural ventilation, envelope/window redesign, electricity, water � all based on climate and location statistics Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are reported for nearly all aspects of the building, including on-site fuel use and emissions at power plants that supply electricity to the building. The power plants that generate electricity to the electric grid that serves the building are also summarized by their fuel type. It is able to provide very detailed feedback and allows for benchmarking against base cases while improvements are worked through the digital model. recently purchased by AutodeskRuns a DOE model of the existing building to provide the basis for reworking the design to reduce carbon via daylighting, PV, natural ventilation, envelope/window redesign, electricity, water � all based on climate and location statistics Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are reported for nearly all aspects of the building, including on-site fuel use and emissions at power plants that supply electricity to the building. The power plants that generate electricity to the electric grid that serves the building are also summarized by their fuel type. It is able to provide very detailed feedback and allows for benchmarking against base cases while improvements are worked through the digital model. recently purchased by Autodesk

26. Embodied energy is most challenging portion of CND The ATHENA� EcoCalculator for Assemblies provides instant LCA results for commonly used building structure and envelope assemblies. -Resource extraction and processing -Product manufacturing -On-site construction of assemblies - All related transportation - Maintenance and replacement cycles over an assumed building service life Structural system demolition and transportation to landfill PharosEmbodied energy is most challenging portion of CND The ATHENA� EcoCalculator for Assemblies provides instant LCA results for commonly used building structure and envelope assemblies. -Resource extraction and processing -Product manufacturing -On-site construction of assemblies - All related transportation - Maintenance and replacement cycles over an assumed building service life Structural system demolition and transportation to landfill Pharos

27. Works with Athena Eco-calculatorWorks with Athena Eco-calculator

29. Project Overview -LEED Platinum -First Carbon Neutral Building in US _Built as Zero Energy Published in 1949 as the finale to A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold�s �Land Ethic� set the stage for the modern conservation movement. Leopold�s philosophy included the belief that the idea of community should be enlarged to include, in his words, �collectively: the land.� This includes nonhuman elements such as soils, waters, plants, and animals. The headquarters for the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the Legacy Center includes office and meeting spaces, an interpretive hall, an archive, and a workshop organized around a central courtyard. Built where Leopold died fighting a brush fire in 1948, the Legacy Center also provides a trailhead to the original Leopold Shack. Owner & OccupancyOwned and occupied by The Aldo Leopold Foundation, Inc., Corporation, nonprofit Typically occupied by 12 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 85 visitors per week, 5 hours per visitor per week Project Overview -LEED Platinum -First Carbon Neutral Building in US _Built as Zero Energy Published in 1949 as the finale to A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold�s �Land Ethic� set the stage for the modern conservation movement. Leopold�s philosophy included the belief that the idea of community should be enlarged to include, in his words, �collectively: the land.� This includes nonhuman elements such as soils, waters, plants, and animals. The headquarters for the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the Legacy Center includes office and meeting spaces, an interpretive hall, an archive, and a workshop organized around a central courtyard. Built where Leopold died fighting a brush fire in 1948, the Legacy Center also provides a trailhead to the original Leopold Shack. Owner & OccupancyOwned and occupied by The Aldo Leopold Foundation, Inc., Corporation, nonprofit Typically occupied by 12 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 85 visitors per week, 5 hours per visitor per week

30. Environmental Aspects Typical things: Site: crushed gravel in place of blacktop or concrete paving, increasing rainwater infiltration and blending the developed areas into the surrounding landscape. Water Efficiency: The native landscaping requires no irrigation. Waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, and efficient faucets reduce water consumption by 65%. An on-site well provides potable water, and an existing septic system treats wastewater.Energy Efficiency & Production: Designed to use 70% less energy than a comparable conventional building. Daylighting eliminates the need for electric lighting during most of the day. Ground-source heatpumps connected to a radiant slab provide heating and cooling, and an earth-tube system provides tempered fresh air. A 39.6-kW rooftop photovoltaic array produces more than 110% of the project�s annual electricity needs. This excess renewable energy, along with on-site carbon sequestration, offsets the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project�s operations Innovative: Thinning the Leopold forests improved forest health while providing 90,000 board feet of wood for use in the project. More than 75% of all wood used in the project was certified to Forest Stewardship Council standards, and 60% of all materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. The structural system of the building was designed based on the materials list. This runs contrary to normal practices where the building is first designed and the materials ordered (even if limited to a close radius to reduce emissions impacts). Thermal Flux Zone Solar: Set Solar budget first, then designed to meet it. A 39.6-kW rooftop photovoltaic array produces more than 110% of the project�s annual electricity needs. This excess renewable energy, along with on-site carbon sequestration, offsets the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project�s operations Earth tubes: Pre-cool and dehumidify; better in summer Environmental Aspects Typical things: Site: crushed gravel in place of blacktop or concrete paving, increasing rainwater infiltration and blending the developed areas into the surrounding landscape. Water Efficiency: The native landscaping requires no irrigation. Waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, and efficient faucets reduce water consumption by 65%. An on-site well provides potable water, and an existing septic system treats wastewater.Energy Efficiency & Production: Designed to use 70% less energy than a comparable conventional building. Daylighting eliminates the need for electric lighting during most of the day. Ground-source heatpumps connected to a radiant slab provide heating and cooling, and an earth-tube system provides tempered fresh air. A 39.6-kW rooftop photovoltaic array produces more than 110% of the project�s annual electricity needs. This excess renewable energy, along with on-site carbon sequestration, offsets the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project�s operations Innovative: Thinning the Leopold forests improved forest health while providing 90,000 board feet of wood for use in the project. More than 75% of all wood used in the project was certified to Forest Stewardship Council standards, and 60% of all materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. The structural system of the building was designed based on the materials list. This runs contrary to normal practices where the building is first designed and the materials ordered (even if limited to a close radius to reduce emissions impacts). Thermal Flux Zone Solar: Set Solar budget first, then designed to meet it. A 39.6-kW rooftop photovoltaic array produces more than 110% of the project�s annual electricity needs. This excess renewable energy, along with on-site carbon sequestration, offsets the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project�s operations Earth tubes: Pre-cool and dehumidify; better in summer

31. Carbon Sequestration - The Foundation located the project on a previously disturbed site, which it is restoring to native ecosystems. The Aldo Leopold Foundation owns over 500 acres of forest. Prior to constructing the Leopold Center, the foundation certified 35 acres, including roughly twenty containing red and white pine planted by Aldo Leopold and his family, according to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) rules. The rest of the foundation�s forested acres will not be included in the carbon neutral analysis of the Leopold Center. A selective harvest of these acres culled the smaller diameter trees to use as building materials in the Leopold Center. (While mature trees have a slower rate of sequestration than rapidly growing saplings, they still are able to store more carbon each year due to their size.)� Prior to harvest, a percentage of the trees to remain were measured to set a baseline of the volume of wood in the forest. In the fall of 2007, those trees will be re-measured to determine their growth rate and estimate the growth rate of the forest; this measurement will be repeated every 6 years. Initially in absence of a measured sequestration rate, a conservative rate of 500 Lb carbon per acre will be assumed (a conservative estimate). The 35 acres of FSC-certified forest will then be storing 8.75 tons of carbon per year.�Carbon Sequestration - The Foundation located the project on a previously disturbed site, which it is restoring to native ecosystems. The Aldo Leopold Foundation owns over 500 acres of forest. Prior to constructing the Leopold Center, the foundation certified 35 acres, including roughly twenty containing red and white pine planted by Aldo Leopold and his family, according to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) rules. The rest of the foundation�s forested acres will not be included in the carbon neutral analysis of the Leopold Center. A selective harvest of these acres culled the smaller diameter trees to use as building materials in the Leopold Center. (While mature trees have a slower rate of sequestration than rapidly growing saplings, they still are able to store more carbon each year due to their size.)� Prior to harvest, a percentage of the trees to remain were measured to set a baseline of the volume of wood in the forest. In the fall of 2007, those trees will be re-measured to determine their growth rate and estimate the growth rate of the forest; this measurement will be repeated every 6 years. Initially in absence of a measured sequestration rate, a conservative rate of 500 Lb carbon per acre will be assumed (a conservative estimate). The 35 acres of FSC-certified forest will then be storing 8.75 tons of carbon per year.�

32. Direct Carbon Emissions due to Combustion Direct emissions of carbon include two sources: stationary combustion devices and fuel combusted in organization owned vehicles. Emissions from foundation vehicles are easy to track by monitoring fuel purchases; tracking emissions for stationary combustion devices requires a little more creativity.� Three wood burning stoves and one fireplace installed in the building. To estimate emissions, the Aldo Leopold Foundation staff will set aside two full cords of wood (approximately 5 tons), to be weighed when stacked) for the 2007 � 2008 heating season.� Any wood remaining at the end of the heating season will be weighed again to determine the mass of wood combusted. Indirect Carbon Emissions due to Electricity Generation The Leopold Center is projected to generate 61,268 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year from the solar panel array. �At night and on days when solar-generated electricity does not meet the building demand, electricity will be purchased from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative To offset the emissions of the purchased electricity, the Aldo Leopold Foundation has contracted to purchase wind-generated electricity from the utility.Direct Carbon Emissions due to Combustion Direct emissions of carbon include two sources: stationary combustion devices and fuel combusted in organization owned vehicles. Emissions from foundation vehicles are easy to track by monitoring fuel purchases; tracking emissions for stationary combustion devices requires a little more creativity.� Three wood burning stoves and one fireplace installed in the building. To estimate emissions, the Aldo Leopold Foundation staff will set aside two full cords of wood (approximately 5 tons), to be weighed when stacked) for the 2007 � 2008 heating season.� Any wood remaining at the end of the heating season will be weighed again to determine the mass of wood combusted. Indirect Carbon Emissions due to Electricity Generation The Leopold Center is projected to generate 61,268 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year from the solar panel array. �At night and on days when solar-generated electricity does not meet the building demand, electricity will be purchased from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative To offset the emissions of the purchased electricity, the Aldo Leopold Foundation has contracted to purchase wind-generated electricity from the utility.

33. Indirect Carbon Emissions due to Other Organizational Activities The foundation's long-term goal is to account for all possible carbon emissions due to organizational activities. Emissions due to employee commuting, employee business travel, water supply, sanitation, and solid waste removal are estimated as a part of this carbon balance. Emissions due to visitors traveling to the center will be included once an average visitation rate can be established.� Employee air travel was calculated at a rate of 10.0 lbs carbon per 100 passenger miles. With an estimate of 36,000 air travel miles per year, the annual carbon emissions for business air travel is projected to be 1.80 Tons carbon per year. The Aldo Leopold Foundation will track actual employee business travel (air and car) for a more accurate annual emissions report. The Leopold Center pumps water from a well on site and uses an on-site septic field for sanitary waste removal. All energy used in the pumps, and, therefore, all carbon emissions due to water and sanitary systems is included in the electric energy consumption of the building. Carbon emissions from solid waste removal have been derived by estimating the emissions generated per unit mass of material removed. Foundation employees and visitors are asked to recycle as a standard practice; however, recyclables must still be hauled away from the site, contributing to total carbon emissions.� The Aldo Leopold Foundation is assumed to generate 5,200 lb waste material per year (100 lb per week) contributing 0.92 Ton of carbon emissions per year. Indirect Carbon Emissions due to Other Organizational Activities The foundation's long-term goal is to account for all possible carbon emissions due to organizational activities. Emissions due to employee commuting, employee business travel, water supply, sanitation, and solid waste removal are estimated as a part of this carbon balance. Emissions due to visitors traveling to the center will be included once an average visitation rate can be established.� Employee air travel was calculated at a rate of 10.0 lbs carbon per 100 passenger miles. With an estimate of 36,000 air travel miles per year, the annual carbon emissions for business air travel is projected to be 1.80 Tons carbon per year. The Aldo Leopold Foundation will track actual employee business travel (air and car) for a more accurate annual emissions report. The Leopold Center pumps water from a well on site and uses an on-site septic field for sanitary waste removal. All energy used in the pumps, and, therefore, all carbon emissions due to water and sanitary systems is included in the electric energy consumption of the building. Carbon emissions from solid waste removal have been derived by estimating the emissions generated per unit mass of material removed. Foundation employees and visitors are asked to recycle as a standard practice; however, recyclables must still be hauled away from the site, contributing to total carbon emissions.� The Aldo Leopold Foundation is assumed to generate 5,200 lb waste material per year (100 lb per week) contributing 0.92 Ton of carbon emissions per year.

34. Professor Michael Utzinger developed the Carbon Accounting Protocol to design the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center to zero carbon. But measurement is still in progress and continues to evolve. Post occupancy analysis is helping to reveal additional information concerns that can be fed back into future the design process. Designing a building to emit no carbon is a result of its operation and occupancy. These metrics feed into a spreadsheet tool that is being developed to assist in the detailed design of a Carbon Neutral Building. It is anticipated that the spreadsheet tool will be complete and issued for use in late summer 2009. In the interim, the Metrics are being provided for their informational value only. Divided into three scopes: Carbon Emission Classification Caused by Scope 1: Direct Emissions (operating energy)- stationary combustion (boilers, stoves)-organizational vehicles Scope 2: Indirect Emissions (operating energy)-electricity generation Scope 3: Indirect Emissions(organizational energy)-commuting to work-business travel Professor Michael Utzinger developed the Carbon Accounting Protocol to design the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center to zero carbon. But measurement is still in progress and continues to evolve. Post occupancy analysis is helping to reveal additional information concerns that can be fed back into future the design process. Designing a building to emit no carbon is a result of its operation and occupancy. These metrics feed into a spreadsheet tool that is being developed to assist in the detailed design of a Carbon Neutral Building. It is anticipated that the spreadsheet tool will be complete and issued for use in late summer 2009. In the interim, the Metrics are being provided for their informational value only. Divided into three scopes: Carbon Emission Classification Caused by Scope 1: Direct Emissions (operating energy)- stationary combustion (boilers, stoves)-organizational vehicles Scope 2: Indirect Emissions (operating energy)-electricity generation Scope 3: Indirect Emissions(organizational energy)-commuting to work-business travel