ASHRAE Column
zero carbon. The part of a buildings energy matrix that has the
most potential for significant energy saving is the HVAC system.
Net zero carbon is a very difficult but necessary
environmental goal. The ASHRAE simulations committee
is currently planning a ‘hackathon’ in April. This will be an
interactive session where engineers and students can try their
hand at designing a net-zero building. The event will be called
‘Net-zero Hero’. It will be a series of modelling challenges
based on scenarios in the built environment.
Integrated teams of students and industrial professionals
will go head-to-head and test their knowledge and skills against
one another. The aim is to bring the correct methodology when
designing and identifying all possible areas of energy saving
before the renewable energy technology is selected. The event
hopes to improve and inspire the design and construction of net
zero buildings.
As the C40 cities initiative is currently underway the ‘Net Zero
Hero’ hopes to provide a platform for industry professionals and
students to collaborate and achieve this very ambitious goal. Such
an event will be the first in South Africa and we hope with enough
support we can make this an annual event thereby increasing the
number of soldiers in the war against climate change. RACA
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
I learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and
endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success
unexpected in common hours
– Henry David Thoreau, poet
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RACA Journal I May 2020
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