How GGA+ Pursued The Electric Program Investment Charge Grant

Designing a Net-Zero Affordable Housing and Mixed-Use Development

The Union Tower development in National City, California was a mixed-funded affordable housing project that started in 2019. The team at GGA+ realized they were over budget and decided to reevaluate their designs. At the same time, the California Energy Commission announced a grant opportunity for affordable, equitable, and climate-resilient projects. The Client, Wakeland Housing, brought on Buro Happold, a British energy consultancy and design firm, to help optimize the design and strengthen their grant proposal. The team conducted a climate assessment and used shading analysis to identify areas of the building most impacted by heat. They then designed passive ventilation strategies, revised window-to-wall ratios, and implemented solar power and energy storage systems to improve the building's energy performance. The design received a grant at the concept stage, which helped them improve the building's overall energy performance. This case study details the steps taken to create a net-zero, mixed-use development that also promotes a healthy lifestyle for those living and using the spaces.