Net Zero Carbon in California

Course Overview

Zero net carbon design (ZNCD) is an approach to building design that seeks to minimize both the operational carbon emissions produced over a building’s lifespan and the embodied carbon locked into its materials and construction. As California continues to tighten building-performance standards in pursuit of statewide carbon-reduction goals, architects are increasingly expected to understand and apply ZNCD strategies when designing new buildings and major renovations. This course introduces the core principles of zero net carbon design, covering passive design strategies, energy-efficient systems, on-site renewable energy generation, low-carbon material selection, and carbon offset approaches, giving architects a practical framework for incorporating ZNCD thinking into their project work.

Learning Objectives

• Define zero net carbon design (ZNCD) and distinguish between operational carbon and embodied carbon.
• Identify passive design strategies that reduce a building’s energy demand before mechanical systems are considered.
• Evaluate energy-efficient building systems and their role in reducing operational carbon emissions.
• Assess on-site renewable energy generation options, including solar photovoltaic systems, and their contribution to net carbon reduction.
• Compare the embodied-carbon impact of common structural and finish material choices.
• Identify low-carbon and carbon-sequestering material alternatives suitable for California building projects.
• Understand the role of building envelope performance in reducing both energy demand and carbon emissions.
• Recognize how California’s building energy codes and climate goals relate to zero net carbon design.
• Evaluate the use of carbon offsets as a complement to direct emissions-reduction strategies.
• Apply a practical framework for incorporating ZNCD principles into the early phases of project design.
• Identify strategies for communicating carbon-reduction goals and tradeoffs to clients and project stakeholders.
• Recognize opportunities to integrate ZNCD strategies into renovation and adaptive reuse projects, not just new construction.

Who Will Benefit From This Class

• California-licensed architects completing the state’s 5-hour zero net carbon design continuing education requirement.
• AIA members completing HSW-designated continuing education.
• Design teams evaluating passive design, on-site renewable generation, and low-carbon material strategies.
• Architecture firm staff seeking a practical introduction to carbon-reduction design principles.

Course Details

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