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LeyVa Middle School - Net Zero Administration Building
The George V. LeyVa Middle School administration building in the Evergreen School District of San Jose, CA is targeting LEED Gold and will be the first Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in the California public school system. The design of this building showcases design concepts and technologies that can make a school building net zero energy today, supporting California schools efforts to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (gHg) production and encourage the design of grid neutral buildings.
Design Features
The sustainable design features utilized to make this 9,200sf building 41 percent more efficient than required by California’s Title 24 include: photovoltaics, a high efficiency HVAC system, upgraded insulation and glazing, a cool roof, daylight harvesting and controls, and high efficiency lighting.
High efficiency components and efficient design techniques are used in the HVAC system utilize a variable refrigerant flow that keeps operating costs to a minimum by controlling each zone individually and having the capability of shutting off unoccupied zones. Displacement ventilation is used to further reduce energy and create improved indoor air quality compared to a traditional ventilation system. Air is supplied near the floor using a low velocity/variable speed supply fan. As the air picks up heat from equipment and occupants it warms and slowly rises to exhaust ducts located near the ceiling.
The building will have an ‘energy kiosk’ with a flat screen display to record and provide feedback on the building’s energy usage. Students, faculty and visitors will be able to see historical and real time data on energy usage and electricity production from the photovoltaics.
The photovoltaics are designed to offset over 100 percent of the administration building’s energy use with the surplus energy produced going to further reduce the campus energy bill.
Natural lighting through skylights and windows are used throughout the building in conjunction with high efficiency fluorescent lights controlled with daylight controls and occupancy sensors to minimize the need for electric light in the day. The occupancy sensors turn lights off when spaces are unused and the daylight harvesting system keeps lights off during daylight hours, reducing energy costs and heat produced by electric lighting. The electric lights will also have a digital lighting management (DLM) system that tracks usage hours, notifies and schedules of lamp outages and replacements.
Insulation is upgraded beyond code requirements to improve the performance of the building envelope. Spectrally selective, low emittance glass is used for skylights and windows to allow maximum visible light to be transmitted while simultaneously blocking heat-generating infrared light.
Design Team:
- Architect: AEDIS Architecture
- Mechanical: Capital Engineers
- Electrical: IDeAs