Insights on Zero Carbon Design

Center for Architecture + Design As the building industry moves toward more stringent zero-emissions goals, stakeholders across the AEC industry must master and implement Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD) throughout the building lifecycle. This afternoon session provides a comprehensive look at achieving carbon reductions and neutrality through both strategic planning and technical execution, featuring two panels of experts who will provide diverse perspectives. The first panel brings together sustainability leaders from manufacturing, sustainability consulting and construction, who will discuss the intersection of design intent and project delivery. They will explore the intersection of material durability, recyclability, and whole-life embodied carbon reduction in high-performance building design. Through practical detailing strategies, life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, and other industry tools the session offers a framework for balancing complex, competing material criteria without compromising carbon performance or assembly resilience. The second panel features two architects and a regenerative design professional who will present recent leading-edge case studies. They will share practical insights from early-stage goal setting, community engagement, through all design phases to move-in. Case studies include an all-electric affordable housing project — on track for zero net energy — built with modular technology to speed delivery. Additional case studies include a county office building that integrates all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy, battery storage, and microgrid controls to support both sustainability and critical operations during, plus two recently completed K-12 schools that showcase a broad range of sustainable strategies. Learning Objectives (2 LUS - AIA HSW and California ZNCD) Hosted by ROCKWOOL and AIASF Knowledge Community - Committee on the Environment (COTE) Planning Committee: Charlie Stott, AIA, LEED AP | Stott Architects + AIASF COTE Co-Chair, Pamela Sadler, CSI, CDT, LEED V5 GA | Rockwool | David Lehrer, NCARB | Center for the Built Environment 1:05 PM: Integrating Design Intent and Sustainable Project Delivery 2:15 PM: Showcase of Zero-Energy Case Studies from the Bay Area 3:15 PM: Happy Hour + Networking Timon Bruulsema | PE RDH Building Science | Associate, Building Science and Energy Engineer Timon is working to improve building energy and sustainability throughout the US and Canada. Timon’s experience with RDH includes building science, facades, mass timber, and energy & sustainability. This wide-ranging background forms the foundation of his holistic understanding of high-performance buildings. With a focus on integrated, whole-building systems, he excels at performing energy and condition assessments and leading new building designs to meet sustainability goals. Turner Construction | Regional Sustainability Manager Brett joined Turner Construction in 2009, and has held roles in nearly every department, including Engineering and Project Management, Preconstruction, Superintending, Finance, and Business Development. The projects he’s touched have spanned several market segments, including aviation, commercial, higher education, sports, R&D/Lab, and light industrial. Since June 2024, Brett has served as the Sustainability Manager for the Northern California Region, working collaboratively with project teams to reduce carbon, water, and waste impacts in Turner’s operations and the structures we build. ROCKWOOL | Architectural Manager for Northern California and Nevada Pamela is a senior architectural representative partnering with architects, engineers, and owners to deliver energy-efficient, resilient, and durable building solutions. She is dedicated to consulting with the architectural community on technical systems application and code compliance for acoustics, fire, thermal, sustainability, retrofitting and moisture through building science. Nikita Jathan, LEED AP BD+C PAE Engineers | Regenerative Design Consultant Nikita brings over a decade of experience along with a multidisciplinary background in environmental studies and architecture. She specializes in regenerative and sustainable design, carbon consulting, and green building certification, supporting project teams in delivering high-performance, future-focused solutions. With a holistic approach to sustainability, Nikita integrates master planning strategies across multiple scales to align project goals, stakeholder priorities, and long-term environmental impact. She is known for coordinating complex analyses, guiding teams through green building frameworks, and translating detailed technical insights into clear, actionable strategies that move projects forward. Katie Ackerly, AIA, Leed AP, CPHC David Baker Architects | Principal / Sustainable Design Director Katie Ackerly drives change by elevating the human experience in design for housing and communities. She leverages cross-dis