What does it mean to have a net-zero office building?

Clarum is incredibly proud to have built the very first net-zero office building in Palo Alto. Our company is committed to creating comfortable, energy-efficient environments which reduce utility costs and promote ecological stewardship… and of course, our own office headquarters are no exception.

But what does having a new net-zero office building actually mean?

Net-zero buildings

Traditional commercial buildings consume 40% of the total fossil fuel energy in the US, and are significant contributors of greenhouse gases. With global climate change and rising energy costs, it is more important than ever to prioritize energy efficiency in all construction – for both home and office.

As the name implies, a “net-zero” building is one with zero net energy consumption – meaning the total amount of energy used is equal to the amount of renewable energy created on-site. This is achieved through two fundamental objectives:

Reducing energy consumption

Similar to the methods we use to build passive homes, our new office building is very well insulated and virtually airtight. This greatly reduces energy consumption, minimizes our ecological footprint, and improves indoor air quality. Contributing features include:

• Energy Recovery Ventilator: Provides continuous fresh air, exhausts stale air, and recovers 90% of heat from exhausted air.
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS): SIPS walls reduce heating and cooling load, keep indoor temperature constant, and are stronger, straighter and more durable.
• Air & Moisture Barrier: Water based liquid applied elastomeric barrier provides airtight construction and is made with 25% recycled content.
• High Performance Triple-Glazed Windows: Reduces energy use and condensation.

The result? Our energy consumption is 90% lower than traditional commercial buildings.

Producing energy on-site

We also take measures to harvest the energy we do use right here on site, through a rooftop solar panel system. Solar electric technology harnesses the sun’s radiation to power our entire building.

Not only does this allow us to minimize energy use and reduce carbon emissions, it is also more financially savvy than the conventional alternative. Whereas fossil fuels are finite and polluting, solar is abundant and pollution-free.

A new beginning

We are so excited to share this transition with you, and extend a thank you to our partners and friends who have accompanied us on this journey. Our new home expresses outwardly what we’ve always believed in and stood for internally.

Interested in learning more about Clarum’s approach to passive construction? Give us a call at 650.322.7069.