Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  March 25, 2020

San Diego completes nation's first net zero archives building

The nation’s first zero net energy archive facility was completed this week in San Diego by a team of California-based builders and architects.

C.W. Driver Companies and The Miller Hull Partnership collaborated on the County of San Diego’s new East County Office and Archives building, a single-story, 25,000 square-foot building that features a 252 kWh solar system to power the entire building. The building also has a pending LEED Gold certification.

“As the nation’s first zero net energy archive facility, Santee’s East County Office and Archives underscores the County of San Diego’s commitment to seeking out cutting-edge practices to meet long-term energy efficiency goals,” Andy Feth, C.W. Driver Companies project executive, said in a statement. “Our expertise in zero net energy construction combined with Miller Hull’s experience creating environmentally responsible designs enables us to apply a 360-degree approach to this project. The outcome is a sustainable building that enhances both the community and environment.”

In addition to generating its own power from solar panels, the East County Office and Archives also has design features to reduce the amount of energy required, such as strategic building orientation, natural ventilation, high-efficiency envelope and mechanical systems, lighting power reductions, plug-load reductions and operational changes that reduce energy consumption by the end-user.

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