High Performance Buildings

The North Carolina High Performance Building program (HiPerB) is designed to showcase energy performance of commercial buildings in the state. The program was created as a vehicle for owners and designers to document and share information about their high performance buildings. Focus is on new construction and major renovations. Measured post-occupancy energy data and costs are compared to:

  • Baseline model - what the performance would have been if the building was designed and built to simply meet the minimum energy code, and;
  • Design model – the anticipated performance based on the design for improved energy efficiency.

Additionally, the case studies are intended to assist owners, designers and other stakeholders to:

  • Understand the value of gathering data to ensure the building is performing as well as possible.
  • Establish realistic baselines against which their buildings can be compared.
  • Identify design strategies employed to achieve more energy efficient buildings.
  • Share lessons learned.

How are case studies selected?

  • The building must have baseline and design model data available. 
  • For buildings designed to meet ASHRAE 90.1 2004, generally the building must have at least 12 months of data indicating the building is performing at least 30% better than ASHRAE 90.1 2004 baseline in at least one of the year's reported data. 
  • The metered data must indicate the design model was within 15% (plus or minus) of actual performance.

If you have a building you would like to be considered for inclusion in the program, please contact Renee Hutcheson, FAIA at renee.hutcheson@ncdenr.gov or 919-707-9252.

K-12 Schools Case Studies

Alston Ridge Elementary SchoolAlston Ridge Elementary School
Owner: Wake County Public School System
Location: Cary, N.C.
Architect: Clark Nexsen
Engineer: The Wooten Company
 
 
Photo of Sandy Grove Middle SchoolSandy Grove Middle School
Owner: Firstfloor
Location: Lumber Bridge, N.C.
Architect: SfL+A Architects
Engineer: Optima Engineering
 

Snipes Academy of Arts and DesignSnipes Academy of Arts and Design 
Owner: New Hanover County Schools
Location: Wilmington, N.C.
Architect: SfL+A Architects
Engineer: MCBH Engineering

 

Higher Education Case Studies

Elizabeth City State University Gilchrist BuildingElizabeth City State University Gilchrist Building
Owner: Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, N.C.
Architect: Perkins and Will (formerly The Freelon Group)
Engineer: AEI

Randolph Community College Continuing Education and Industrial CenterRandolph Community College Continuing Education and Industrial Center
Owner: Randolph Community College
Location: Asheboro, N.C.
Architect: Smith Sinnett Architecture
Engineer: Progressive Design Collaborative 

University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Health Science BuildingUniversity of North Carolina at Pembroke - Health Science Building
Owner: University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Location: Pembroke, N.C.
Architect: Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects, PA
Engineer: McKnight Smith Ward Griffin Engineers, Inc.