Southern CA Qualifications

West Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley, CA TYPE: SIZE: ACCREDIATION: 9,400 SF

New Construction

LEED Platinum / Net Zero Energy (NZE)

Extensive study revealed that the embodied energy required to construct a new zero net energy (ZNE) structure would be offset by the ongoing cost of maintaining a renovated existing structure within one year’s time. The main room of the library includes stacks, computer stations, various seating areas, a children’s area and circulation desk. A large multipurpose room doubles as additional reading room space. A teen room, and staff and service areas round out the program. The ZNE design process begins with the optimization of onsite renewable energy. The building footprint is optimized to maximize roof area for solar thermal and photovoltaic solar panels. In order to match the actual building consumption to the energy budget provided by this system a variety of passive strategies were developed. Analysis of local climate data revealed that a steady ocean breeze could be utilized for ventilation. The front façade is extended above roof level to create a continuous wind chimney. Prevailing breezes create negative pressure behind the façade where louvers draw air through the main spaces from windows at the opposite end of the building. Additionally, skylights automatically open to support airflow. A radiant floor system connected to rooftop solar thermal panels provides heating and cooling. These passive strategies are coordinated by a building management system that is tied to a roof top weather station. The BMS can thereby switch modes from natural ventilation to full cooling for comfort control. There is no additional HVAC system in the facility. This library was the first public library to achieve Net Zero Energy. It also won multiple awards such as Golden Nugget Award and AIA National Award for Sustainability.

Project Rated Capacity: Actual Energy Use-66,525 kWh

Annual Energy Use Intensity-17.4 kbtu/sf/yr Actual Electricity Generated-73,669 kWh Net Energy Generation-7,144 kWh

Awards: 1 st Public Library in California to be Certified NZEB by ILFI Gold Nugget ZNE Grand Award LEED Platinum and AIA COTE Top Ten