Could Net-Zero Building Design Work in Florida?

Barron Schimberg, AIA

One of the hottest topics in architecture is the concept of net-zero building design. In a net-zero building, 100 percent of the building’s energy needs are supplied by on-site renewable energy.  The International Living Future Institute defines renewable energy as passive solar, photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind turbines, water-powered microturbines, direct geothermal or fuel cells powered by hydrogen generated from renewably powered electrolysis.

Is the net-zero building concept a fantasy? A recent article in the Architecture Dispatch caught my eye with this headline: “Architects say NetZero is not a fantasy if only people would stop with the A/C.”

The reporter quoted speakers at a Center for Architecture event who contend that net-zero building is absolutely possible and has been done using insulation, roofing, and lighting techniques and materials that aren’t particularly exotic.  The architects talked about orienting the main spaces of building to the south to maximize the use of the natural light and solar energy.  This all makes sense for building projects in northern Massachusetts, Sacramento, California, and New York’s Hudson River Valley region.

But the article made me think: Could a net-zero building design work in Florida?

Unfortunately, thermal comfort in Florida matters.  Though there are ways to design buildings to minimize the need for air conditioning, it must be incorporated into the design.

Photovoltaics have not hit the tipping point to make them worthwhile financially, geothermal is not prevalent enough and Florida does not produce enough wind to generate enough energy.  It is our responsibility to get as close as possible, but in Florida, that’s extremely difficult, but a wonderful challenge.

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