Net-Zero Buildings: Cost-Effective and Sustainable for New Construction  

Otto Van Geet is a Principal Engineer at NREL. He has been involved in the design, construction, and operation of energy-efficient research facilities such as laboratories and data centers, office and general use facilities, and low-energy-use campus and communities. Van Geet was one of the founding members of the Labs21 (Smart Labs) program and his experience also includes renewables screening and assessment, PV system design for on- and off-grid applications, energy audits, and minimizing energy use. Van Geet has authored many technical reports and conference papers and been recognized with many awards from professional associations, including the 2007 Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management and the 2011 GreenGov Green Innovation Presidential Award for the NREL Research Support Facility data center.

Rick Mears, P.E., is program manager support for the Data Center program in U.S. DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). He also serves as the DOE FEMP lead for the Technology Validation and Sustainable Buildings programs. He has over 12 years of experience in the energy and sustainability fields and has provided energy resilience, energy and sustainability management, carbon accounting, and energy policy support across federal agencies. Rick is a Certified Energy Manager and has a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and an engineering degree from Cornell University.

Shanti is a senior commercial building energy researcher at NREL. His research focuses on the broad adoption of net-zero energy/carbon design and operational practices through applied research, innovative demonstrations, Cleantech Group startup technical guidance, academic engagements, high-impact publications, and informed industry outreach. His active research projects include integrating net-zero carbon strategies into the emerging off-site and affordable housing construction industry. He also focuses on supporting innovative development approaches to zero energy, including district-scale energy planning and how-to resources for emerging developers. He is active in the green building design and construction industry and is a frequent speaker at industry events. He is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Colorado, teaching classes on sustainable construction and real estate.