The American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Francisco chapter and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Pilot Program, in partnership with the University of California, Merced, are pleased to announce the upcoming Architecture at Zero 2012 zero net energy design competition. The competition team is extending this invitation to encourage the participation of advanced architecture, planning and urban design studios in this unique event that explores the cutting edge of energy efficient design. Up to $25,000 in total prizes will be awarded among student and professional entries. 

What: Entrants will submit a detailed design for a Zero Net Energy campus building as well as a thoughtful schematic energy strategy for a group of zero net energy campus buildings. Details on submission requirements and project criteria can be found at www.architectureatzero.com

Where: Following on the heels of last year’s successful Architecture at Zero 2011 competition that envisioned a zero net energy future for an urban infill site in Emeryville, CA, this year’s competition will focus on the next phase of campus planning at the newest University of California campus, UC Merced. 

Timeline: 

- Competition opens—April 2012 

- Site Tour for Entrants—Summer 2012; To Be Announced

- Submissions due—October 1, 2012

- Jury & Announcement—October 24, 2012

Winning Entries will be exhibited in November during Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2012 in San Francisco, as well as in other locations. Zero net energy buildings produce as much clean energy as they use during a year through a combination of designed energy efficiency and on-site, grid-tied renewable energy production. 

The Architecture at Zero competition supports an action plan of the California Public Utilities Commission for all new residential construction in California to be zero net energy by 2020 and for all new commercial construction to be zero net energy by 2030. 

The competition is targeted to raise awareness of ZNE design strategies and building technologies among the architectural design community. For more information on Architecture at Zero 2011 and updates on the 2012 competition, visit www.architectureatzero.com.