The 3 C's of Net Zero
Peter Larson
Edward McGraw
Abstract:
Any building can perform at a net zero fossil fuel level, given a large enough renewable energy budget!
Cost-effectively realizing net zero lies in minimizing a building’s reliance on renewable energy. We have
developed a process called Conserve, Capture, and Create, or “the Three C’s,” by which net zero
becomes easier to achieve than ever before, with less renewable energy. This process has proven its
validity in the design, construction, and operation of three net zero school additions.
The Three C’s is a design system to prioritize strategies for net zero energy use. Conserve revolves
around the qualities of the building skin. Capture harvests the site’s natural energy resources via
bioclimatic design. Create is the inclusion of renewable energy to offset the remaining building usage
and achieve net zero. The Three C’s are considered in order. The prioritization of Conserve and Capture
results in the Creation of elegant, affordable net zero buildings.
This session will be divided into two parts. First we will explain the Three C’s and their integration into
the design process, using case studies of Ashley McGraw’s three net zero schools. In the second part, we
will divide the audience into groups and coach them in applying the Three C’s to a hypothetical school
project, using simple tools to assess the cost and energy impact of strategies. At the end of this session,
each group will have created their own net zero energy building!
Bio:
Peter Larson
Peter Larson, AIA, LEED AP BD&C, is a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects, located in Syracuse, NY. He
is the creator and leader of its Advanced Building Studio, which is focused on the quantitative
assessment of the environmental impact of buildings via energy and other resource modeling. It also
specializes in the research and design of sophisticated passive solar and other energy capture
techniques.
Peter’s passion lies in the creation of solutions that move beyond current intermediate definitions of
sustainability, toward a brighter future that fundamentally changes our relationship with natural
resources. This passion is embodied in his creation and development of Blue Design.
Edward McGraw
Edward McGraw, AIA, LEED BD+C, is a founding partner and Chief Executive Officer of Ashley McGraw
Architects, located in Syracuse, New York. Ed obtained his Masters of Architecture from Syracuse
University, his Bachelor’s of Science in Business at SUNY Binghamton, and is registered to practice
architecture in the state of New York. He strives to obtain excellence in every project by embarking on a
process of collaboration with other respected design professionals and those influenced by the
collective outcome. Under his direction, the firm has embarked on a foundational shift toward design
that understands and participates in the relationship between our built and natural environments.
Ed serves on the advisory board for the Syracuse University School of Architecture and is the current
President of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.