IDeAs Z Squared Design Facility: Press Release
NET ZERO ENERGY/ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BUILDING OPENS IN SAN JOSÉ

IDeAs hosts Mayor Reed’s “Green Vision” announcement and receives Governor Schwartzenegger’s commendation during ribbon-cutting event.

San Jose, CA - October 5, 2007 - Integrated Design Associates (IDeAs) today opened its new zero-energy use and zero-carbon emissions building, IDeAs Z2 Design Facility. During the opening, IDeAs hosted the City of San José’s public release of a comprehensive 15-year plan for conserving energy, combating climate change, and securing Silicon Valley’s position as the nation’s green tech innovation center. Mayor Chuck Reed selected IDeAs new Z2 Design facility to showcase how ambitious goals for environmental protection and economic development can be realized. The IDeAs building is designed to produce more electric energy than it uses, via its roof-top solar power source, and to have no reliance on fossil fuels for heating or cooling. Using DOE 2.1E, estimated energy consumption is approximately 60% below ASHRAE 90.1.

“California is synonymous with high-tech innovation and environmentalism, and this commercial building is an excellent example of our state’s unparalleled advancements,” wrote Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger in a message read by Barbara Kaufman, Director of his San Francisco Office. “Your newest facility has helped set the bar high for other companies hoping to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Your company plays a vital role in the realization of San José’s Green Vision mission, as well as helping fuel California’s economic growth. I commend your extraordinary efforts to help combat global warming through technology. The health and prosperity of California is linked to our ability to reduce the energy we use and emissions we create, and I commend you for your work in this field,” continued Schwartzenegger. “With buildings responsible for almost half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, this project demonstrates what one small business owner can do to take on our planetary emergency using today’s technology, and do so at a reasonable cost,” explains building owner and co-designer David Kaneda, principal IDeAs. “ Our design and architecture team set out to move away from incremental improvement to radical change, striving for a zero energy building that is simultaneously affordable, comfortable, and beautiful.” “The people of San José and Silicon Valley have changed the world,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “With our history of innovation and environmental stewardship as a foundation, San José will become the world’s center of innovation in clean, green technologies. Our goals for innovation, sustainability, and green mobility are bold and comprehensive. But I believe that in 15 years, we can succeed and build a better future for our children, our residents, and the world.” Also offering remarks at the ribbon-cutting were Mike Honda, Congressman of the 15th District of California and Carl Guardino, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

IDeAs Z2 Facility is a remodel of one of Main Street America’s most common buildings, a 1960’s-era tilt-up concrete structure. This former Bank of America banking center has been transformed into a high-performance building by applying simple, affordable strategies, including:
  • Using daylight to light all workspaces.
  • Using a high efficiency radiant heating and cooling system with a ground source heat pump to keep temperatures comfortable in all seasons.
  • Applying advanced insulation and glazing concepts to reduce heating and cooling loads.
  • Reducing computer and appliance loads through careful equipment selection and wiring.

About the Design Team:

The architecture and engineering team included EHDD, architects; Rumsey Engineers, mechanical engineers with Johnson Controls; Tipping/Mar, structural design; Integrated Design Associates, daylighting and electrical design; and Hillhouse Construction, general contractor. EHDD is a national leader in architecture, design and sustainability based in San Francisco. Rumsey Engineers is an Oakland-based design engineering firm that specializes in innovative HVAC system solutions for the most demanding commercial installations and critical environments, including green buildings, data centers, clean rooms and laboratories. Integrated Design Associates (IDeAs) provides expertise in advanced sustainable electrical concepts and lighting technologies in the design of high-performance environmentally sound buildings.

For a full description of the IDeAs Z2 design facility go to: www.z2building.com


For More Information Contact:

Therese Sullivan 650 575 2896
therese@runwaypartners.com