Trial / Demo
The IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) enabled Introba to optimize façade design, refine mechanical system efficiency, and validate energy performance whilst ensuring net-zero energy goals were met without increasing costs for this net-zero medical facility in Santa Rosa - the first of its kind in North America.
Introba set out to develop a high-performance medical office building that could achieve net-zero energy within a standard construction budget. Rather than creating a premium showcase project, the goal was to demonstrate that sustainable healthcare facilities could be both cost-effective and scalable. Through early-stage energy modeling with IESVE, strategic thermal zoning, and an all-electric mechanical system, the design build team worked collaboratively from the outset to deliver a building that meets stringent sustainability standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
The project required meeting ambitious energy performance targets without exceeding typical construction costs. Healthcare facilities present unique challenges, such as high energy demands for ventilation and stringent thermal comfort requirements for patients and staff. The team needed to balance these factors while achieving net-zero energy performance.
IESVE was crucial in enabling the team to optimize both passive and active systems from the earliest design stages, through an integrated energy modeling process. The façade was carefully designed to balance daylighting and solar gain, with glazing layouts adjusted for each orientation. Smaller windows on the south side provided privacy for exam rooms, while larger glazing on the north side reduced cooling loads and enhanced natural light in waiting and collaborative spaces.
Mechanical systems were designed to maximize efficiency. The team eliminated gas boilers and traditional hot water reheat systems, opting for an all-electric heat pump system with tailored thermal zoning. A variable volume system was implemented to prevent simultaneous heating and cooling, further improving energy performance.
IESVE modeling played a pivotal role in guiding decision-making throughout the project, particularly for these more complex systems. The team used it to evaluate insulation levels, assess glazing optimization within budget constraints, and validate predicted energy performance.
The integration of IESVE modeling and energy-efficient design strategies led to significant cost savings and sustainability achievements. By eliminating gas heating infrastructure, the project saved approximately $1 million in mechanical costs—savings that were redirected to fund the on-site solar PV system, allowing the building to achieve net-zero energy performance with no additional cost premium.
Recognized as the first net-zero energy medical office building in North America, the project earned both LEED Platinum and LEED Zero Energy certifications. Operational data confirms that the building is outperforming initial energy projections, further validating the effectiveness of the design approach.
Beyond energy efficiency, the building enhances occupant comfort through optimized daylighting and thermal zoning. The success of this project demonstrates that sustainable healthcare facilities can be achieved within standard budgets, setting a precedent for future developments.
Introba leveraged IESVE’s advanced simulation capabilities to help inform critical architectural and mechanical decisions. The engineering team’s expertise in thermal zoning and all-electric systems enabled them to eliminate the need for conventional gas heating, redefining how mechanical systems are designed for healthcare environments. Through IESVE modeling, they were able to verify substantial energy and cost savings, proving that net-zero energy healthcare facilities are both feasible and financially viable.
"IESVE allowed us to tune the building envelope with precision, demonstrating how to maximize value from glazing components across different façades. By optimizing these passive systems first, we significantly reduced the building's energy demands before even addressing mechanical systems. The VE modeling enabled the building to essentially 'work for itself,' providing clear evidence to inform architectural decisions and creating a much better starting point for efficient system design."
Calina Ferraro, Vice President, Introba
