The Future of Dana: Achieving Net-Zero Building Emissions and Leading by Example

Abstract

The ongoing increase in global temperatures due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions has caused significant damages worldwide. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have been the main driving force contributing to climate change. There has been a recent global push for both governments and corporations to rapidly decrease emissions to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. As part of this, the University of Michigan has established the President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality (PCCN) to develop the framework for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) has played a leading role in the PCCN. The SEAS Facilities Department is developing evidence-based and scalable strategies to improve energy efficiency and find opportunities to integrate more renewable energy into the operation of the Samuel Trask Dana building where SEAS is located. In order to achieve this, this capstone project was created to first generate a model of the Dana building, and associated mechanical and electrical equipment within it, using the Design Builder software. That model was then compared to historical emissions data from the building to verify its accuracy. The model is intended to be used to assess potential energy efficiency measures and savings within the building. This project analyzed emission reduction projects such as window inserts within Dana and solar generation at SEAS properties. In conjunction with this, educational tools were developed to inform students, faculty, and staff within the Dana building on how they can assist with the energy efficiency goals. Lastly, building specific information, such as the various mechanical and electrical systems within the Dana building, was captured in a building manual meant to be easily used by the Facilities Department. With all of these strategies in place, SEAS Facilities hope to make progress towards achieving net-zero building emissions and spearhead this movement for other buildings on campus.