WASHINGTON, June 16, 2016 - The nation’s biggest net zero commercial
building retrofit, the Net Zero Plus Electric
Training Institute (NZP-ETI), was recently dedicated in Greater Los
Angeles. The Department of Energy (DOE) defines a “zero
net energy (ZNE) building” as one with no net energy consumption, which
means that the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis
is approximately equal to the amount of renewable energy that is created on the
site.
The retrofitted
NZP-ETI building will actually generate more energy than it consumes each year.
The excess energy, which is generated by an onsite photovoltaic solar array,
can be stored in the center’s battery storage system or discharged back into
the electric grid.
The facility boasts a 144,000-square-foot demonstration
center and living laboratory that showcases advanced and emerging clean energy
technologies. The exhibits illustrate the future of smart energy-efficiency
design, microgrid system integration, energy storage solutions, building
resiliency in the wake of natural disasters or grid interruptions and a suite
of integrated electrical technologies and controls.
The center is also an educational facility, training some
1,500 electrical apprentices, journeymen and contractors annually for careers
at the leading edge of the electrical industry.
The energy, environmental, economic and community benefits
include:
· 51 percent reduced total energy consumption
· 185,000 kilowatt-hours per year (KWh/yr.) more
energy than consumed
· 520 metric tons per year reduction of CO2
· 1,500 individuals trained each year for careers
in the energy industry
· A resource for architects, developers and
building owners to learn about the integration of advanced technologies
· Enhanced grid stability and improved natural
disaster and emergency response solutions
“This innovative program embodies all we are trying to
accomplish in creating a more sustainable region: solar energy; energy
efficiency; back-up power; recycled materials; livable workplaces; green jobs;
and economic opportunity for everyone,” remarked Mayor Eric Garcetti. “It is
the largest net zero plus commercial building retrofit in the U.S. and a great
example of how we can transform our existing buildings.”
The building is the result of a partnership between the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 11 and the Los Angeles
Electrical Contractors Association.
#30
