This class is part of AIA+2030, a ten-session Professional Series to help design professionals create buildings that meet the energy efficiency goals of the 2030 Challenge. Learn more and Register for the series.

Session VIII: Site power: renewable energy opportunities
The ultimate goal of the 2030 Challenge is fossil fuel free buildings by the year 2030. As buildings approach zero for their carbon footprint, on-site renewable energy sources become a key element to the strategy. As the lower up-front cost conservation and efficiency measures are exhausted, renewable energy emerges as the final step to reaching aggressive carbon elimination goals. This session will explore the relationship between conservation and renewable energy, and explore current renewable energy opportunities, both onsite and offsite systems, such as combined heat and power and local district energy (valuable for load sharing).

Learning objectives:
- Describe the technology behind major on-site renewable energy strategies for buildings
- Propose an appropriate renewable energy strategy based on site characteristics and resources
- Enumerate the life cycle costs and benefits of on-site renewable energy
- Understand how district energy can provide thermal and electric services and balance neighborhood loads