According to its website, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) “is dedicated to the furtherance of the Earth and space sciences, and to communicating our science’s ability to benefit humanity.” With over 62,000 members from 144 countries, the AGU is demonstrating this dedication in the renovation of its 25-year-old headquarters building in downtown Washington, D.C.

As AGU realized that their structure was aging, and a renovation was looming, the organization decided to take the lead as an integral part of the earth/science solutions it promotes. In addition to specifying a LEED Platinum rating, the AGU set an even loftier design and construction goal – to achieve Washington, D.C.’s first-ever “net zero” office building renovation.

This means that over the course of a calendar year, the building will generate as much energy as it pulls from the electrical grid. Mechanical systems, including HVAC and plumbing equipment, use a substantial amount of energy. Reducing energy usage of these mechanical systems is essential to helping the building achieve net zero status.

Learn more here: https://www.shapiroandduncan.com/american-geophysical-union/