Architecture at Zero now accepting entries for seventh annual Zero Net Energy Design Competition

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) have announced the seventh annual Architecture at Zero competition for zero net energy (ZNE) building designs. The competition is open for entries from students and professionals worldwide now through January 30, 2018.

This year, PG&E is partnering with San Francisco State University’s Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies. The challenge is to create a ZNE bayside community education and visitor’s center supporting the mission of the center based in Tiburon, Calif. These structures are designed from the start to be energy efficient and offset the energy they consume through onsite renewable energy generation such as rooftop solar. Winners will be chosen by a panel of international experts and awarded up to $25,000 in total prizes. 

"The American Institute of Architects, California Council is excited to collaborate on this important initiative that affirms the role of architects in leading efforts to use design to curtail climate change,” said Jana S. B. Itzen, AIA, AIACC President. 

The competition strives to generate new, innovative ideas for ZNE construction to help achieve California’s goal for all new residential construction to be ZNE by 2020 and all new commercial construction to be ZNE by 2030. Last year’s competition spurred state-of-the-art designs for student housing at the San Francisco State University campus.

“PG&E is proud to sponsor Architecture at Zero for the seventh year in a row. This competition demonstrates what’s possible with zero net energy and how these designs can drive energy efficiency in our local communities and build towards California’s clean energy future,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E's Senior Director of Energy Efficiency. 

“As SF State’s interdisciplinary center for research and education, with a mission to connect science, society and the sea, we are excited to partner with PG&E on this competition. Designing and developing a zero net energy community education and visitor’s center on San Francisco Bay reflects our commitment to California’s leadership in addressing climate change,” said Karina Nielsen, Director of the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies. 

Competition entries are due by January 30, 2018 and will be juried by a panel of international experts including Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Gregg Ander, President of Gregg D. Ander, LLC; Allison Williams, FAIA; Marsha Maytum, FAIA, LEED AP, and others to be confirmed. 

To learn more, visit www.architectureatzero.com.