About the Zero Net Carbon Training
In her first State of the SUNY System address in 2018, former SUNY System Chancellor Kristina Johnson called for all new SUNY buildings to achieve zero-net-carbon emissions and for existing buildings to invest in deep-energy retrofits and energy efficiency while performing critical maintenance. In July of 2018, the State University Construction Fund issued Directive 1B-2: Net Zero Carbon New Buildings and Deep Energy Retrofits of Existing Buildings. In 2019 and 2020, the State University of New York at New Paltz, Steven Winter Associates, Inc., and the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) partnered together to offer a series of free workshops to educate higher education facilities staff, academic faculty, students, designers, and contractors who serve higher education clients on strategies to achieve zero net carbon construction goals using passive house principles.
All the Zero Net Carbon Training webinar modules are available below. CEU credits are available for completing each webinar. Click on the links below for more information on obtaining CEU credits.
Workshop Modules
Module 1: Overview of PH/Net Zero Building Concepts, Techniques, and Benefits
Module 2: Deep Dive into Construction Methods and High-Performance Products and Details
Module 3: Deep Dive into Air Barrier Development & Implementation
Module 4: Net Zero HVAC Strategies and Controls + DHW
Module 5: Contracting for Passive House: Construction Documents and Bidding
Module 6: Deep Energy Retrofits: Strategies for Gut Rehab or Full Occupancy Retrofits
Module 7: Beyond Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Refrigerant Management in Design, Construction, and Operations
Module 8: Construction Manager/Subcontractor/Tradesperson Training: Classroom and Field Training
Module 1: Overview of Net Zero Carbon/Passive House Concepts, Techniques, and Benefits
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3hO8NnS
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/34YvBJK
Link to condensed webinar: https://bit.ly/3kyHCiH
Link to train-the-trainer: https://bit.ly/3ro7zD8
Suggested Disciplines: All
The first module in this training series will provide the basic concepts behind the techniques and systems employed in net zero projects. It will explore using the Passive House building standard as a pathway to achieving net zero performance and the additional benefits associated with successful implementation of those techniques. Energy Use Intensities (EUIs) for existing SUNY New Paltz buildings will be presented to put the net zero goals into perspective along with a detailed discussion of the measures that can be applied to new and existing SUNY projects in an attempt to meet its net zero goals including assembling the right team and employing integrated project management.
Module 2: Deep Dive into Construction Methods and High-Performance Products and Details
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3kvfCMU
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/34V3fje
Suggested Disciplines: Architecture & Construction Management (all are welcome)
Successful implementation of a high performance building starts in design. This full day training session takes a deep dive into the elements of high-performance facades including moisture control, thermal control, windows and doors, and airtightness. High-performance cladding and attachment systems will be presented in detail including panelized systems, rain screens, and masonry systems. Proper integration of all elements will be emphasized along with a discussion of the quality assurance processes needed for successful implementation. Case studies of existing high performance projects will be reviewed along with SUNY specific projects and specifications.
Module 3: Deep Dive into Air Barrier Development & Implementation
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3ez3fvt
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/2VKYHYG
Link to condensed webinar: https://bit.ly/3eAcEmn
Suggested Disciplines: Architecture & Construction Management (all are welcome)
One of the key Passive House principles is the integration of an air tight facade which can be up to ten times tighter than typical code requirements. Successful implementation of an air tight building façade starts in design. Instructors will provide detailed information on how to design and execute an airtight and moisture tight façade for high performance building. Learn about the products available, construction processes, quality assurance tips and techniques, and lessons learned from other high performance projects.
Module 4: Net Zero HVAC Strategies and Controls + Domestic Hot Water
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3ey5BLd
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/2yCmuly
Answers to questions: https://bit.ly/3iqCiex
Link to condensed webinar: https://bit.ly/3xPPosj
Suggested Disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (all are welcome)
This session will take an in-depth look into the mechanical systems typically employed in high performance, net zero buildings including heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation. Reasons for and issues with full electrification will be discussed as will central plant considerations. Instructors will also discuss control strategies. Topics include:
- Reasons for electrification
- Refrigerant based high-performance heating & cooling systems
- Central plant considerations
- Refrigerant based high-performance DHW systems
- Efficient DHW delivery
- Ventilation
- Lighting design and controls
Module 5: Contracting for Passive House: Construction Documents and Bidding
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/36M67kh
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/3eEFikZ
Answers to questions: https://bit.ly/36JkZA5
Suggested Disciplines: Architecture & Construction Management (all are welcome)
During the design of a Passive House project, the architect and design team pain-stakingly detail the buildings air and thermal barriers, mechanical systems, and controls needed to achieve their energy targets. Making sure the GC and the subcontractors understand what is being shown in the drawings and specifications is crucial in reaching those goals. This session outlines the differences between what is shown in typical construction documents and that shown in Passive House documents and covers methods for ensuring the trades understand what they are bidding. The following topics will be addressed:
- Differences in specifications and drawings for Passive House buildings
- Writing specifications for Net Zero buildings
- Where have past change orders originated from? Lessons learned from past projects
- Organizing bid buy meetings for state construction projects; best practices from the private sector
- Providing Passive House training for general contractor, site supers and subconsultants
- Differences in construction methods
- QA/QC strategies
Module 6: Deep Energy Retrofits: Strategies for Gut Rehab or Full Occupancy Retrofits
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3rjlaLX
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/3btPmLn (due to a technical glitch, audio cuts out twice for a short time but is returned)
Answers to questions: https://bit.ly/3hRTDhA
Link to condensed webinar: https://bit.ly/36NyjDA
Suggested Disciplines: All
Deep energy retrofits can be vastly more complicated than new high performance construction projects. Repairs and remediation far beyond energy improvements are often needed. The need to perform retrofits on occupied buildings is often the case or, for universities in particular, vacancy periods may be very short. Façade improvements can be hindered due to historic considerations, lot line issues and space constraints. This session will provide a variety of deep energy strategies that can be employed on existing buildings along with cost implications of taking a phased approach vs. a gut rehab. The session will cover:
- Evaluating energy conservation measures
- Strategies for staged vs. one-time comprehensive upgrades
- Phasing considerations & occupant health & comfort
- Evaluating cost-effectiveness
- Comparing to business as usual
Module 7: Beyond Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Refrigerant Management in Design, Construction, and Operations
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3xRqKYi
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/3k6Du6d
Answers to questions from the Spring 2020 training: https://bit.ly/36Q3vlz
Link to condensed webinar: https://bit.ly/3ipZ1az
Suggested Disciplines: All
Refrigerants that are currently used in most heat pump technology are considered serious greenhouse gases and can contribute to global warming if leaked into the atmosphere. Management of these gases are therefore crucial when designing and operating a net zero building. This module focuses on refrigerant management and the considerations that need to be made during design, commissioning, and day to day operation.
- Reasons for switching to all electric buildings: cleaning of the grid
- Refrigerant based high-performance systems, packaged and field-piped
- History of refrigerant management (solving the ozone problem, just to cause GHG emissions problems)
- GWP of common refrigerants, specifically HFCs
- Refrigerant management considerations in design, installation, commissioning, and operations
- Where the industry is going; advantages and disadvantages of refrigerants on the horizon
Module 8: Construction Manager/Subcontractor/Tradesperson Training: Classroom and Field Training
Suggested disciplines: Construction Managers, General Contractors, Subcontractors & Tradespeople
8.1: Building Envelope
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3BiiwdL
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/3nNvHNk
Answers to questions: https://bit.ly/2USy2MO
During the construction of net-zero energy buildings, the construction manager, contractors and tradespeople are ultimately responsible for executing the design intent of the project. In this session, we will identify ways to successfully construct the building envelope to achieve a well-insulated, airtight assembly. This will include a close look at details and photos of typical construction types, wall assemblies, high-performance windows, innovative products and the good, bad, and ugly. This will be an interactive training, so come prepared with questions and to discuss challenges faced by the university when constructing high-performance buildings.
The training will include the following:
* Brief review of high-performance design basics
* Review typical construction types along with sample details and photos
* Review high-performance windows and details
* Look at new and innovative Passive House components
8.2: Net Zero Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3rjtZp1
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/34Pywom
Answers to questions: https://bit.ly/3xTldjQ
In the construction of a net-zero energy building, it is critical that the construction managers, subcontractors and tradespeople are equipped with the know-how to accurately execute MEP systems as designed. This session will focus on typical mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems used on high-performance buildings and best methods used on-site to achieve the project’s energy goals. Come prepared to discuss the challenges surrounding the on-site application of net-zero MEP systems.
Specifically, the discussion will include the following:
* HVAC – ventilation, space conditioning, ductwork air sealing
* Plumbing – DHW, piping layout, pipe insulation, hydronic systems
* Electric – Lighting and controls, pumps, elevators
8.3 QA/QC Techniques for Ensuring Success
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/3irebfJ
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/31weNcu
Building on previous sessions, this module will focus on the quality control and quality assurance techniques for high-performance construction. The need for oversight on the construction of net-zero energy buildings is essential to meeting the project’s energy targets. This session will address a variety of topics related to energy efficiency including construction quality, documentation, implementation, and best practices from successful projects. This will be an interactive session so, come prepared to speak about challenges with quality control/assurance as it pertains to energy efficiency.
The following topics will be addressed/demonstrated:
* Defining construction quality
* Quality documentation requirements
* Best practices for ensuring project success
* Quality Control and Quality Assurance mechanisms
* Identifying quality issues, how to correct and document corrections
* Building envelope testing considerations
8.4: Field Training and Mock-ups
Link to presentation: https://bit.ly/36MY5aP
Link to full-length webinar: https://bit.ly/3jksYY5
This session will prepare staff for in-field conditions and the level of detail necessary to construct net-zero energy buildings. During the construction of a high-performance project, it is critical that the design intent is accurately implemented to achieve the desired efficiency and durability. The application of building envelope air barrier, insulation, and HVAC work will be demonstrated through a series of mock-ups. The trainer will demonstrate performance testing on both good and bad installations and show how to identify and diagnose problem locations. Come prepared with scenarios in mind where performance testing could improve a project’s outcome.
The following topics will be addressed/demonstrated:
* Application of air barrier materials at rough openings and field of wall
* Window installation and different air sealing strategies
* Approach to sealing penetrations through the building envelope
* Common ductwork installations and air sealing
* Performance testing, interpreting results, and strategies to improve assembly performance
Eight free workshops will be held between February and May of 2020. Click on the links below to register for each session via Eventbrite. You may enroll for an in-person or online workshop. Participants are especially encouraged to attend the first overview workshop in person.
Intended Audience
This workshop series is for:
- Higher education employees who manage, design, construct and retrofit zero net carbon buildings
- Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and SUNY Construction Fund employees
- Higher education sustainability and energy officers
- Consultants and contractors who serve the higher education sector
- Academic faculty who teach subjects related to architecture, engineering, and construction technology
- Students who are interested in studying high-performance design and construction
This workshop is intended for people who live and work in New York State, but interested parties from out of New York State are welcome to attend this series of workshops. Live webinar viewing options are available. The case studies presented throughout this workshop series pertain to the types of buildings that are designed, constructed, and retrofitted by higher education institutions, but those outside of higher education are also welcome to attend.
Please forward this information about this free training to your networks, including other people in your organization, company, or institution.
