Northbrook Park District Activity Center Earns Net Zero Energy Building Designation

Northbrook is the second Illinois park district to receive a grant to build a Net Zero Energy building. Receipt of the grant makes funding available for the district’s ongoing capital Improvement plan. The new project officially broke ground on July 10 and will open in early 2021.

The new Activity Center’s design, by Chicago-based Wight & Company, exceeds state and national sustainability standards and is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the village’s green spaces now, and for future generations. This energy-efficient building will feature components and building materials chosen to meet Net Zero Energy building requirements, including:

• An array of solar panels on the roof
• HVAC systems and mechanical equipment with the highest efficiency ratings
• Increased insulation values in the walls and roof
• High-performing windows and strategic placement to help regulate temperature
• LED lighting throughout the building and parking lot
• Occupancy sensors in rooms and daylight sensors in perimeter spaces
• EPA Indoor Air Plus requirements for paint and materials

In order to qualify for the grant, the Foundation requires that the building receive a third-party certification ensuring the building is aggressively efficient in its energy use. This building is slated to receive two certifications, PHIUS+ and Source Zero Certifications, both from the Passive House Institute US. In addition to funding construction and materials, the grant program requires that grantees provide educational opportunities to help residents learn about the building’s energy-efficient features. The new Activity Center will have educational panels and an energy usage display. Once the building opens, the District will also closely monitor the project to ensure the building meets the Net Zero Energy building benchmarks, and requirements for the final portion of the grant.

The new Activity Center is part of the 2018 – 2022: New Places to Play initiative, and is the culmination of a long, open community process that ensures the facility provides the highest-priority services for residents. These include an indoor recreational and fitness center, an indoor walking and running track, multipurpose rooms, and a gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, camps, and other activities.

The Net Zero Energy Building Program awards grants to nonprofit, government, and higher education organizations for exemplary buildings that maximize energy efficiency. Over a 12-month period, projects must achieve a Net Zero Energy building performance (or better). Net Zero Energy buildings offset their own energy consumption by generating required energy on-site from renewable resources.