Back To The Future: ASHRAE Net Zero Energy Headquarters Renovation

A Net Zero Energy retrofit in metro Atlanta for a modest budget

Too often, brand-new, shiny, ground-up construction gets all the glory while we ignore the vast existing building stock around us. What do we do with aging assets beyond tearing them down? How can we repurpose with dignity and with deep sustainability in mind? A deep-green retrofit is the best overall solution, minimizing both operational and embodied carbon.

This was the ambitious aim of the new American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. The goal was to transform a nondescript 1970s building, never built to be efficient, into a world-class, super-efficient new home for the organization that sets efficiency standards around the globe.

The project demonstrates that by replacing the building envelope and HVAC systems and integrating renewable energy, we can breathe new life into existing structures everywhere, elegantly and efficiently. The result is a beautiful, functional, model green building in the hot-humid South that achieves both Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon in operation with extremely low embodied carbon.

The facility provides an outstanding working environment for approximately 145 employees and extensive training and meeting space for members and volunteers. The project demonstrates an economical renovation of an existing structure into a Net Zero Energy building, tackling several challenges posed by Georgia's hot and humid climate.

ASHRAE’s design employed ample exterior insulation, radiant cooling and heating, and ceiling fans to reach thermal comfort goals and improve airflow. A dedicated outdoor air system was utilized to manage the dehumidification of the interior. With a total renovation budget of $10 million, excluding photovoltaic arrays, the project was designed to achieve Net Zero Energy certification. The 332kW photovoltaic array, mounted on the rooftop, lawn, and an unused section of the parking lot, was completed in November 2021, enabling full Net Zero Energy operation.

ASHRAE’s global innovation center for education, training, and community partnership proves the potential to transform existing buildings into high-performing Net Zero Energy facilities on an affordable budget. The headquarters is more than just a building; it’s a model for the future, showcasing that sustainable renovations are not just possible but practical and impactful. The project has set a new standard for how we can rejuvenate aging assets, demonstrating that with vision and commitment, we can achieve remarkable sustainability goals even within constrained budgets.

Project Highlights

• $10 million renovation of an existing 66,770 ft² 1970s building

• Net Zero Energy operation

• Low-energy consumption (EUI of 21 kBTU/ft²/year)

• Radiant heating and cooling and ceiling fans to maintain thermal comfort

• Outdoor air system to manage dehumidification

• 332kW photovoltaic array

Photo credit: Jonathan Hillyer

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This project is a runner-up for our 2023 Introba Awards initiative in the Embracing Change category, recognizing work that embeds resilience, adaptability, and flexibility into projects.

The Introba Awards, a competition juried by external industry professionals, seek to discover, recognize, and reward the very best work done by Introba employees. Our awards categories are inspired by our Living Systems approach, helping us ideate and tackle complex design challenges and improve the performance of our business.

Learn more about the ASHRAE HQ Renovation in the project profile below.