Net-zero-ready buildings: Why design isn’t enough
One of the biggest myths in sustainability and green building is that net-zero design and green building certification lock in a building’s sustainability forever. The reality? Design and certification are just the beginning.
Even the best-designed buildings can waste energy if they aren’t operated and maintained with care. Net-zero readiness set the stage, but performance depends on what happens next.
What does net-zero ready mean?
A net-zero energy building produces as much clean energy as it consumes. This means 100 percent of the building’s energy demand is met by on-site renewable sources.
- A well-designed building envelope with increased insulation and air sealing
- High-performance windows and doors suited to their climates
- Efficient HVAC and mechanical equipment and control
- Maximized natural light
- Reduced thermal demand
- Renewable energy on site where possible
Consider that since 2007, buildings in Canada have contributed over 80 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent to global greenhouse gas emissions. The potential of a net-zero-ready building lies in its ability to help bring that number down without compromising building comfort or performance.
Sustainable building design is a crucial first step, but here’s the catch: Net-zero readiness is about designed potential, not guaranteed performance.
The performance gap: Design vs. reality
The performance gap is the difference between how a building is expected to perform based on design and how it actually operates. For net-zero-ready buildings, this often translates into wasted energy.
Why does the gap exist?
- Poor commissioning
- Complex or neglected controls
- Uncalibrated sensors
- Schedules and setpoints that aren’t tuned
- Unrealistic building modeling assumptions
- Human behavior—changes, errors, lack of training
Buying a high-performance car doesn’t guarantee efficiency if you forget to service it, neglect the tire pressure, or ignore dashboard alerts. Buildings are no different. Without proper care and operation, even the best design falls short.
The Reliable Controls ART of Sustainability approach
A building automation system is the network of controls that connects and automates a building’s key functions, including HVAC, lighting, and security. But automation alone isn’t enough. Energy waste can occur even in a net-zero-ready building if you aren’t using your system to its full capabilities.
That’s where the ART of Building Sustainability comes in. Developed by Reliable Controls, the ART of Building Sustainability is a framework of nine elements designed to help buildings deliver long-term sustainability:
- Trusted open protocols: All controllers Reliable Controls makes are certified by a third-party testing lab to meet a high level of quality and open protocol performance.
- Resilient cybersecurity: Reliable Controls technology supports a single sign-on architecture and secure communication through an encrypted network to provide a comprehensive approach to security—no matter how many BACnet devices you deploy in a building automation system.
- Real-time analytics: Reliable Controls integrates real-time fault detection and diagnostics capabilities into its products, empowering you to diagnose and resolve issues as they happen, reducing unexpected downtime and extending the life of your equipment.
- Extensive reporting capability: Reliable Controls technology supports data analytics for all partners without relinquishing data ownership.
- Premium mobile solution: Building occupants can use their mobile devices to take control of their environment in a holistic app experience.
- Sustainable resource management: Reliable Controls understands that carefully engineered designs and meticulous component selection result in devices that endure for the long term. In addition, the company’s extensive repair and responsible disposal services minimize waste and extend your return on investment.
- Backward compatibility: When Reliable Controls develops new products and improves existing ones, you can be confident in a smooth transition to new technology—without the need for third-party gateways or expensive hardware replacement.
- Dedicated training and support: Reliable Controls delivers comprehensive technical services and expertise, no matter where you are in your building automation journey.
- Qualified dealer network: Reliable Controls technology is supported by a global network of knowledgeable service partners who invest in their people and understand your expectations.
Closing the gap
Building design and development are essential, but they don’t guarantee performance. Net-zero-ready buildings need optimized building automation to fulfill their promise. With an integrated building automation system and the ART of Building Sustainability, you can:
- Reduce energy waste
- Improve occupant comfort
- Protect long-term return on investment
- Move closer to true net-zero compliance
The takeaway
Net-zero ready design is a milestone, not the completion point. To turn design potential into real-world performance, a building must be commissioned, operated, and optimized with intention.
Reliable Controls and its Authorized Dealers can help you create a truly sustainable building that reduces emissions, improves health, drives efficiency for the long term, and performs to net-zero-design intent.
Interested in working with Reliable Controls? Find an Authorized Dealer near you today.
Mark your calendar: Reliable Controls will be at AHR Expo in Las Vegas this February! Hope to see you there.
