First net-zero buildings open at UH Mānoa

Two buildings that will generate more energy than they consume are proud additions to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus. In November, the university held a grand opening for two 1,400-square-foot Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth (FROG) classrooms at the College of Education. Funded with part of a $4.5-million grant from the Office of Naval Research and managed by UH Mānoa’s Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), these net-zero structures will provide valuable data on the effects of energy usage and building design on energy demand. HNEI associate specialist Jim Maskrey is the project manager.

“This project is part of a larger research program, funded by the Office of Naval Research, intended to evaluate the performance and integration of a range of energy technologies that includes energy efficiency, storage and renewable generation systems,” said Richard Rocheleau, HNEI director.

The grant funded the $2 million construction of the classroom buildings, which were designed and installed by Project Frog, a California building technology company. Funding for site work and landscaping was provided by the UH Mānoa Office of Planning and Facilities.

Read more about it and watch the video report in the UH System News.