Sustainable design is evolving at a rapid pace.  One of the major determinants of a high performance building is its energy usage.  Building codes and standards are ramping down the amount of energy a building should use.  The transition to net zero energy buildings will take place over the next twenty years.  This program will describe the coming changes to the energy codes and show how quickly today’s “beyond code” designs will be simply “meet code” in a few short years.  Some of the technologies that will become code requirements will be discussed.  The importance of integrated design and building simulation will also be covered.

The program will also provide information about the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), its programs, and how architects and engineers can become involved.  SEDAC is an organization sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and ComEd and Ameron IL utilities. Located in Urbana-Champaign, the Center is managed by the U of I’s School of Architecture and 360 Energy Group. SEDAC provides advice and analyses enabling private and public facilities in the State to increase economic viability through the efficient use of energy resources

The speaker, Don Fournier, is the Chair and a Senior Researcher at theSchool of Architecture's Building Research Council.  He is also the program manager of the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC). Don is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts )BSEE & MSME) and has more than thirty-five years of experience int he energy and environmental areas.

Don was a member of the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Steering Committee for two years. He was the U.S. delegate to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Annex 31, the Environmental Impact of Buildings, a member of IEA’s Future Buildings Forum, the Governor’s Green Building Advisory Group, and the American Planning Association’s Energy Policy Task Force.

More information and online registration.