Aldo Leopold Legacy Center
Original graph provided by The Kubala Washatko Architects; graphic reprinted from Eco-structure magazine
The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center can account for all of its energy consumption in site-produced energy. Pre-construction energy models showed that the Legacy Center would produce at least 100% of energy used, and real data June and July back up the models. At any given point in time, production will not necessarily exceed consumption, but the overall energy budget is net-zero or better.
Data showing electricity sold to the utility during June and July 2007 demonstrates the accuracy of two energy models’ projections. The CNC model underestimated by 6% in June and overestimated by 7% in July. The DEC model underestimated by 32% in June and 25% in July. The CNC model assumes occupants will not turn on lights when natural lighting suffices, while the DEC model assumes lights are always on during work hours. The CNC model projects that the Legacy Center’s solar array will generate 13 % more energy than the building uses during the year.
