Harvard's HouseZero Project to reduce energy consumption

Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities (CGBC) has unveiled its plan to retrofit its headquarters in a pre-1940s stick-built house in order to test ultra-efficiency buildings.

The Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities (CGBC) aims to transform the building industry.

Its new project, the HouseZero will use no HVAC system, no electric light during the day, 100% ventilation, almost zero energy and produce zero carbon emissions.

Ali Malkawi, professor of architectural technology at the GSD, founding director of the CGBC and the creator of the HouseZero project explained: Before now, this level of efficiency could only be achieved in new construction. We want to demonstrate what’s possible, show how this can be replicated almost anywhere, and solve one of the world’s biggest energy problems — inefficient existing buildings.”

To undertake the project, the HVAC system is to be replaced with thermal mass and a ground source heat pump for peak conditions. A solar vent is to create buoyancy-driven ventilation and triple-glazed windows are to use natural cross ventilation through a manual and automated system which monitors for temperature, humidity and air quality.

The conceptual design has been realized and developed by the center’s blueprint in collaboration with Snøhetta, Norwegian architecture agency which is based in New-York.

Skanska USA has provided pre-construction input while the project management logistics have been provided by Harvard Planning & Project Management (HPPM) and CSL Consulting.

Columbia Construction is to carry out the construction work which is to last seven to nine months.

Once completed, the building will produce more energy over its lifetime than was used to renovate and operate it.