2022 USGBC-LA Sustainable Innovation Awards
Portfolio Award
Sustainable Development Strategy Award
The design of Career Pathways 2 at SBVC comprising two buildings, AlliedHealth and Aeronautics, started with the College’s ambitious Zero Net Energy goal for each of those buildings individually. The project used the district recommended EUI target of 45 kBtu/sf/yr as a baseline for each building then drove the building predicted EUI down to the lowest level possible using energy modeling practices. Both buildings take big steps towards decarbonization and future proofing by embodying building electrification while meeting the ZNE goal. The mechanical system selections resulted in eliminating onsite fossil fuel consumption hence eliminating any Scope 1emissions related to stationary combustion.Energy conservation measures were well integrated into the designs through compact building massing effectively incorporating architectural strategies like high performing envelope with cool roofs and walls, climate informed fenestration types, sizes & orientation, and exterior solar shading. Active engineering systems such as efficient lighting with reduced light power densities beyond T24 requirements, mechanical system selection of high efficiency Air Cooled VRF system, with fresh air provided by Heat pump DOAS unit system and efficient electric DHW heating further helped in driving the pEUI down to 34 Kbtu/sf/yr for Allied Health and 33 Kbtu/sf/yr forAeronautics. To meet the operational ZNE goal, about 108% of the estimated energy consumption of the two buildings will be o
set using 270 KW DC renewable system spanning over the parking lot in between the two buildings and a total of 136 KW renewable system on the building rooftops.
Along with the Campus’s stringent focus towards sustainability, the project’s desire of Zero Net Energy, along with Sustainability certification goals of LEED
and Envision Certifications have been the key drivers towards the energy innovation. To meet the ZNE target, the team developed a matrix system including parameters like Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy and Emissions,Life Cycle Cost, O & M and Impact of strategies on design, to evaluate different energy reduction and production strategies.