Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings: Achieving Zero Energy

Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings—Achieving Zero Energy is the third in a series of guides for achieving zero energy and is tailored to the design and creation of zero energy multifamily residential buildings. It builds on the popular 50% AEDG series with new and updated recommendations on energy efficiency along with guidance about on-site renewable energy sources. The Guide establishes a set of energy performance goals for achieving zero energy. The goals are provided for all climate zones, in both site and source energy. Strategies on how to achieve these energy targets are provided throughout the Guide and include setting measurable goals, hiring design teams committed to those goals, using simulation throughout the design and construction processes, and being aware of how process decisions affect energy usage. As in previous AEDGs, the how-to strategies in this Guide address specific project aspects—building and site planning, envelope, lighting design, plug loads and power distribution systems, domestic water heating, HVAC systems and equipment, and renewable energy. Each section contains multiple strategies that move the design incrementally toward the zero energy goal. Finally, case studies and sidebars show how the energy goals are achievable within typical construction budgets and also demonstrate the technologies in real-world applications.