NET ZERO IN ACTION
A building designed to produce as much energy, or more, as it uses.
Our Schnecksville headquarters demonstrates what’s possible when energy efficiency, smart building systems and renewable energy work together. The 15,000-square-foot office building was designed to achieve Net Zero Energy while demonstrating that high-performance construction can be financially feasible.
Building Overview
Built to demonstrate
what’s possible.
Completed in 2020, our 15,000-square-foot Net Zero office building was created to demonstrate that high-performance, energy-efficient buildings utilizing renewable energy can be achieved at market rates.
Today, the building serves as Regenerative Energy Initiative’s headquarters, a working demonstration of Net Zero technologies and an educational resource where students, professionals and community members can explore how the building performs.
Technology Showcase
What makes it run.
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High-Performance Envelope
Insulation, advanced air sealing and high-performance windows reduce heat loss and heat gain throughout the year. The building achieved a final air leakage rate of 0.074 cfm/sf.
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Energy Recovery Ventilation
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) bring in fresh outdoor air while recovering energy from outgoing air, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling.
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Solar PV
454 rooftop solar panels form a 149 kW DC array that generates renewable electricity on-site. On a sunny day, the system can produce more than 1,075 kWh of electricity.
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High-Efficiency HVAC
A Variable Refrigerant Flow system heats and cools different areas independently while recovering and moving heat throughout the building. This allows for simultaneous heating and cooling in different areas.
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Live Energy Monitoring
Building performance data tracks energy production and use, helping us understand how the building is performing over time.
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Building Automation
A central building management system connects and controls equipment throughout the building, helping reduce energy use when spaces are unoccupied.
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Efficient Lighting & Daylighting
100% LED lighting, occupancy sensors and daylight-responsive dimming reduce energy use while taking advantage of natural light.
The building, by the numbers.
For Educators
Bring the building
into your classroom.
Our headquarters is designed to be explored. Educational tours introduce visitors to the solar array, building automation, HVAC systems, lighting controls, building envelope and other technologies working together to support Net Zero performance.
In Their Words
The students were very impressed. Brent started the tour by outlining the square footage of the facility (15,000 sq ft.) and the building blocks of the energy saving technologies (75% less consumption than similar size offices). Energy efficiency was provided by insulating the building envelope to rigorous standards.
Visit Us
See it for yourself.
Schedule an in-person tour or explore the building online.