Technical Assistance for Healthy & Net Zero Energy Buildings

About Program

Environmental Design Solutions (EDS) has launched “Technical Assistance for Healthy and Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)’’ under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led Market Integration and Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MAITREE) program.

 

The main advantages of healthy and NZEBs at the beneficiary level is well being of occupants with low cost of utilities, whereas the strategic advantage is lowering environmental impact. “Early design stage” plays an important role in the design of healthy NZEBs. Working closely with the design development team results in big reductions in energy demand, provides better well-being of occupants, better daylight performance, often without an increase in the capital cost. The purpose of this activity is to break barriers related to NZEB at the “early design stage”, resulting in wider acceptance of NZEBs amongst the design community, without compromising on health and wellness, which is the need of the hour.

 

Through this program, technical assistance will be provided to project teams with projects at an early design stage. This would entail a feasibility study to set NZEB goals, cost benefit analysis for energy efficient measures and a roadmap to achieve a healthy environment for occupants. In light of the recent pandemic, the technical assistance will be provided through an online platform. The technical assistance, being covered under the MAITREE program, will be provided at no additional cost to the team.

 

As a first step to participate in the “Feasibility Study for Health Net Zero Energy Buildings”, please submit your expression of interest at the following link before 30th June 2020.

https://forms.gle/dL8LU6AC2xfY2Grc7

 

For any queries / clarifications about the program and technical assistance provided, please reach out to nzeb@edsgobal.com.

FAQs

FAQ’s on TA for Healthy NZEB’s:

1. What is a Net Zero Energy Building?

A Net Zero Energy Building is a building with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is equal to the amount of renewable energy generated on the site, or by renewable energy sources offsite.

2. What typologies of buildings are eligible to apply?

Principles of Healthy Net Zero Energy Building can be applied to most types of projects, including residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. This program is open for all typologies under the new building’s category. However, all the buildings shall be permanent in nature.

3. What are the eligibility requirements to participate in this program?

The eligibility criteria for participating in the program are as under:

  • All building typologies which are in the early design stage/concept stage are eligible to apply for this program.
  • Projects expressing interest in this program should be committed to achieve Net Zero energy design.
  • The number of entries from each owner/group should be limited to one.
4. At what stage can I/we apply?

The implementation of NZEBs is a task that involves multiple aspects and requires an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, projects which are at a conceptual stage/ early design stage or developmental stage should apply. Projects which are open to accepting changes to incorporate energy efficiency measures to achieve Net Zero Energy, would be ideal candidates for the program.

5. What is the basis of selection of a project?

The basis of selection will depend on various criteria such as market transformation potential or scale of project, construction completion timelines & current stage the project is in. Commitment from the owners to achieve the target of NZEBs will be important. The projects shall be selected by a jury which shall include a panel having expertise in the following domains – energy simulation, policy, renewable energy, and Net Zero Energy Building design.

6. What will be the outputs of the program?

Technical assistance for conducting a feasibility study will be provided to projects aiming to achieve Healthy & Net Zero Energy building design at zero cost. The broad activities and the outputs of the program are listed below:

  1. Signing of Letter of Intent form
  2. Client / Project Team Orientation
    1. Presentation (Setting Expectations, Introduction to the program)
  3. Design Charrette
    1. Defining Key Performance Indices (KPI’s) & guidelines
  4. Feasibility study
    1. Analysis report summarising tangible benefits (Energy Cost benefit analysis/ Payback) (Deliverable)
    2. Feasibility report of a Green Building Rating system
  5. Final report/presentation to client and design team on Roadmap to achieve Health Net Zero Energy Building design.
7. What will be the timeline for this program?

In most cases, the feasibility study can be completed in less than 3 months subject to availability of project teams for completing various activities outlined in question no 6.

8. Once selected for the program, what shall be the requirements from the project team?

The project team is required to support by providing documents for analysis such as schematics, drawings and project DBRs. Also, towards the end of the feasibility study, the project team is required to provide a commitment in form of a declaration that they will implement all measures, after considering all practical and monetary aspects as suggested in the feasibility report to achieve net zero energy target.

9. What are the benefits of enrolling in this program?

The technical assistance is free of cost and will enable the project to achieve a net zero energy status that will have a profound impact on the building’s energy savings and operational costs.

A feasibility study will be conducted for a Green Building certification program as per the project team’s preference which will have to be indicated while sharing the Expression of Interest.

Being an energy efficient building, the project can leverage any current or future Government initiatives, recognition and honour.

10. Are there any fees required to be paid by the project team?

No. Project teams will be provided with technical assistance at zero cost. However, cost for implementing the energy efficiency strategies suggested will be borne by the project team.

11. By participating in this program will the project get any certification?

The program is limited to conducting feasibility study for a Healthy Net Zero Energy building.  However, as a part of this program, a feasibility study will be conducted for any Green building certification that the project team wishes to apply for.

12. Will this technical assistance focus only one Net Zero Energy, or will it also address other areas such as water and waste?

This program will focus on achieving net zero energy along with emphasizing on strategies to create a healthy indoor environment. However, a feasibility study on any of the Green Building rating systems that the project team wishes to apply for, will cover other aspects such as water and waste management.