Discovery and development of a multi-tenant engagement program for a Net-Zero building in Spokane, WA

Primary author: Julia Day
Co-author(s): Shelby Ruiz

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The Catalyst Building is part of the first phase of a Spokane re-development project and city-wide sustainability initiative. This pioneering project, expected to be completed in May 2020, will be the first net-zero energy and zero carbon building in Eastern Washington state. While many state-of-the-art and innovative energy-saving and carbon-reducing technologies have been implemented into the design (e.g. cross-laminated timber, shared central plant / eco-district, etc.), the owners realize that building occupants play a critical role in achieving aggressive energy goals. The authors have been tasked with the development of a tenant engagement and education program for the multi-tenanted Catalyst building to promote energy efficiency, health, and community within the project. These efforts will encourage a culture of energy efficiency and sustainability for Catalyst building occupants in ways that will positively impact the South Landing Development. As part of this program, tenants will learn strategies to save energy within the building and their community (e.g. human-building interface and interaction with energy usage including heating/cooling, plug loads, lighting, bicycle commuting, etc.)
This poster presents findings from an extensive literature review that was conducted to guide the development of the Catalyst Building tenant engagement program. Key topics include social science and behavioral change theories, occupant/tenant engagement strategies (such as technology and gamification), effective occupant and adult education, and best-practices case studies. These findings have guided the development of a robust tenant engagement program for the South Landing District to maximize net zero energy and zero carbon goals.