By Eamonn Ryan
According to Max Rohr, director of education at Caleffi North America, some of the most inspiring solutions come straight from nature.
The modern lesson is adaptation: match systems to local climate, building use and occupant behaviour. Fanjianhua | Freepik.com
In a recent ASHRAE Journal podcast, Rohr shared his insights on zero energy buildings and the role of biomimicry – learning from natural processes and animals to create more energy-efficient structures. “Animals have evolved to thrive in their environments with minimal energy. If we study them, we can find strategies to reduce the energy footprint of buildings,” Rohr explained.
The ASHRAE headquarters demonstrates how thoughtful hybrid design can achieve near-zero energy performance. Key strategies included:
- Reducing glazing and increasing insulation, lowering the building’s base energy demand
- Combining radiant hydronics with forced-air ventilation, providing precise temperature and humidity control
- Onsite solar PV, supplying the remaining energy needs sustainably
Rohr emphasises that early-stage envelope design is critical: “The cleanest energy is energy unused. Start with reducing energy needs, then supplement with technology.”
Rohr also points to global examples of energy-smart design, like radiant heating in Korea and Rome, showing that energy efficiency isn’t a modern invention – it’s an evolution of good design principles. The modern lesson is adaptation: match systems to local climate, building use and occupant behaviour. Even factors like clothing, occupancy density and activity type influence how buildings should be conditioned.
Rohr envisions a future where mechanical trades collaborate seamlessly, integrating radiant and forced-air expertise into a ‘super trade’ capable of delivering high comfort with low energy use. Combined with biomimicry and thoughtful site adaptation, these strategies create buildings that are resilient, efficient and aligned with environmental goals.
In essence, achieving zero energy buildings requires a holistic approach: smart design from the ground up, hybrid systems that complement each other, and inspiration from nature’s own energy solutions. As Rohr concludes, “Look to the local site, learn from animals, use the best tools in your toolbox, and adapt. That’s how you solve the zero-energy equation.”
Reference: ASHRAE Journal
