When one considers that two-thirds of the world’s energy is used to fabricate, build, and operate the buildings we occupy, looking seriously at achieving deep energy reductions across the spectrum of a building’s life is a major key to altering this unfortunate course.

In early 2009, three owners of a Bremerton architecture and interior design practice set out to do just that while creating a new office home for their 36-person firm. Steve Rice, Dave Fergus, and Mike Miller purchased an abandoned Sears Auto store in Bremerton’s downtown core which had been vacant for 24 years.

The three partners and their staff have achieved a shining example of ultra-high energy efficiency and sustainability within the boundaries of a modest, “everyman” budget.  The building remains one of the most energy-efficient commercial buildings in the United States, having achieved a remarkable 77% reduction in energy use. This is the first regional ultra-high energy efficiency building to meet the first step of the American Institute of Architect’s 2030 Challenge to reduce energy consumption.

The firm’s strategy revolved around three principles:
• Renovate an existing building – to harness its embodied energy and avoid “starting from the ground up.”
• Design it with a net-zero strategy – achieve deep energy reduction now and be able to leave the power grid in the future.
• Operate it with human interaction – where building occupants play an active role in their daily comfort.