SECTION I: Abstract for Proposal to Construct a Net Zero Building and Promote Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Collier County.
Florida SouthWestern State College, Collier Campus is proposing to construct a Zero Energy Building (ZEB) and to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Collier County. This project has two objectives:
- Design and construct a Zero Energy Building (ZEB) with maximum energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. Solar PV panels, solar thermal water heating, and LED lighting will be integrated into this energy efficient structure to achieve Zero Energy use.
- Promote overall community awareness and influence public and private sectors to adopt sustainable building practices and renewable energy technologies. In conjunction with this effort, create a college campus community with an awareness of and strong commitment to sustainable technologies and practices.
The Collier Campus of Florida SouthWestern State College is taking steps to become a center of training and demonstration for environmental issues in Collier County. The campus is planning to offer certificate programs in various environmental technologies. The Collier Campus will also provide the community with a viable example of integrating renewable energy into building construction. To date the Collier Campus has proven leadership and capable project management through the design and construction of the first two LEED certified buildings in Collier County. In addition, the campus has recently contracted with a sustainability consultant to create a strategic sustainability plan.
Collier Campus is designing an Allied Health and Science Center that will result in Net Zero energy use when measured on an annual consumptive basis. The building will maximize energy efficient building design including use of orientation, day lighting, energy efficient windows, LED and fluorescent lighting, solar thermal water heating, high energy efficiency climate control, and solar PV panels. The project directors will be Steve Nice, District Director Facilities Planning and Management, and Karen Childress, Sustainability Coordinator consultant, Collier Campus.
The combination of energy efficiency and energy production will bring the building to net metering capability and will reduce potential green house gas emissions. The presence of this building will foster awareness among students on campus regarding the principles of reduced energy consumption and renewable energy generation. In addition this ZEB has significant potential for public visibility and interaction through conferences, expos and tours held on campus. A website for the Collier sustainability initiative will inform the college and the community about what is being done on campus.
The Allied Health and Science building will be a three-story, approximately 32,000 sq. ft. structure. Designing a ZEB rather than retrofitting an existing one will allow for greater overall integration of sustainable technologies.
This proposal requests funding for solar PV panels, solar thermal water heating, and LED and fluorescent lighting to be integrated into a Zero Energy Building, which is a part of the Collier Campus Environmental Plan to achieve sustainability and to promote community adoption of renewable energy and energy efficient building practices.