Course Description

This course is designed to address the complex topics that feed into the goals for achieving a NetZero environment. The discourse in this course is from the objective of NetZero as it pertains to engaging architects for the purpose of understanding what is meant by Net Zero, what are the related topics, who are the involved stakeholders, and how their work affects building designs and vice versa.

“The term Net Zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.”

It is not a design code, or an organization, or even a design protocol. This is a target that is the cumulative culmination of the objectives of the many environmental, regulatory, professional, and even social organizations. This course will examine how this translates for building design.

This course is broken down into 5 modules. The first will introduce the history, issues, and concepts leading to the NetZero aspiration. The second will present a background on how buildings impact and interact with the environment. The third will detail building design concepts for NetZero. The fourth discusses visions for the future by addressing aspirations and challenges. And the final module will discuss standards, regulations, and conscience relating to Net Zero.

Instructor: Professor Sandy Stannard

Professor Sandy Stannard is a licensed architect in California and professor of architecture courses at Cal Poly, focusing on ecological awareness and sensitivity. Her courses taught and architect projects make her an expert in Zero Net Carbon for architects.

Course Description

This course is designed to address the complex topics that feed into the goals for achieving a NetZero environment. The discourse in this course is from the objective of NetZero as it pertains to engaging architects for the purpose of understanding what is meant by Net Zero, what are the related topics, who are the involved stakeholders, and how their work affects building designs and vice versa.

“The term Net Zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.”

It is not a design code, or an organization, or even a design protocol. This is a target that is the cumulative culmination of the objectives of the many environmental, regulatory, professional, and even social organizations. This course will examine how this translates for building design.

This course is broken down into 5 modules. The first will introduce the history, issues, and concepts leading to the NetZero aspiration. The second will present a background on how buildings impact and interact with the environment. The third will detail building design concepts for NetZero. The fourth discusses visions for the future by addressing aspirations and challenges. And the final module will discuss standards, regulations, and conscience relating to Net Zero.

Instructor: Professor Sandy Stannard

Professor Sandy Stannard is a licensed architect in California and professor of architecture courses at Cal Poly, focusing on ecological awareness and sensitivity. Her courses taught and architect projects make her an expert in Zero Net Carbon for architects.