Net Zero Energy Buildings and the Grid: Designing for Success on Both Sides of the Meter (OR-16-C083)

As zero net energy (ZNE) buildings and other low-energy buildings become increasingly common it is important to consider how different ZNE strategies can interact with their local electricity grids. Demand response technologies and grid-sensitive design features in ZNE buildings will be critical to enabling the integration of these facilities into the grid at a large scale. The paper describes three tiers of DR and renewable energy technology integration in commercial buildings: Conventional buildings with one-way energy flows or conventional net metering. Moderately responsive buildings with interactive demand response capacity. Fully grid-integrated buildings with active and passive efficiency and demand response features, often with on-site renewable energy. This paper presents a framework for employing design strategies and measures that ensure buildings of the future can benefit from, and support, the grid modernization efforts that will occur throughout the life of the buildings.