The Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings: Achieving Zero Energy provides strategies for designing K–12 schools that produce as much energy as they consume. Developed by ASHRAE in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, AIA, USGBC, and IES, the guide builds upon previous energy-efficient design principles. It offers climate-specific energy performance targets, best practices for reducing energy consumption, and recommendations for integrating renewable energy sources.
Key strategies include optimizing building envelopes, maximizing daylighting, improving HVAC efficiency, managing plug loads, and incorporating on-site solar power. The guide emphasizes early planning, collaboration among stakeholders, and the use of energy modeling to ensure zero energy performance. It also includes case studies demonstrating cost-effective implementation of zero energy schools. By following the guide, school districts can improve student learning environments, reduce operational costs, and demonstrate environmental leadership while meeting sustainability and energy resilience goals.
