Celebrating 20 years of connecting California’s public-sector leaders with sustainability solutions
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Aggressive Operational Energy Reduction
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Ballroom F
Net zero energy is no longer aspirational—it is an urgent responsibility. As policy, codes, and climate realities accelerate, schools must lead the transition to dramatically reduced operational energy and ultimately net positive performance. This session challenges participants to move beyond incremental efficiency and commit to aggressive, measurable energy reduction strategies that deliver long-term value. Through comparative case studies—including a net-positive library evaluated a decade later and peer projects using today’s technologies—attendees will see what works, what fails, and why. Participants will explore how building form, high-performance envelopes, and advanced systems can align to achieve net zero without compromising cost, function, or design quality. Equally important, the session addresses the common gaps between ambition and execution—and how to close them. Attendees will leave equipped to lead, advocate, and deliver net zero schools that are resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready. The built environment generates 40% of the earth’s annual global CO2 emissions and the imperative and code to aggressively address operational energy reduction is reflected in policy trends, code evolution and California’s ZNE Building Goals. These project case studies share strategies and lessons learned that will assist attendees in empowering successful ZNE building projects.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this session, attendees will learn:
- How building capitalizing on free passive resources, form and high performance envelopes can position a project to achieve net zero energy without compromising other parameters.
- How advanced systems technologies put net zero further within grasp.
- How LEED (at high levels of certification) can be symbiotic with aggressive energy reduction.
- Why sometimes these aspirations fail and how to avoid those disruptors.
Speakers:
Mary Ruppenthal, Education Market Sector Leader, Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED)
Martha Ball, Higher Education Sector Leader, Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED)
Jennette La Quire, Principal, Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED)
Mary Ruppenthal, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, DBIA, is a Principal and National Education Market Sector Leader at HED with more than 30 years of experience shaping educational environments throughout California and across the nation. She partners with district leadership, educators, stakeholders, industry partners, and communities to deliver innovative, fiscally responsible learning environments that align with district priorities, strengthen communities, and help every student succeed.
Known for her collaborative, purpose-driven leadership, Mary brings together diverse teams to translate educational visions into high-performing, equitable, and resilient learning environments. Her expertise spans educational planning, architecture, construction, and stakeholder engagement, combining technical rigor with inclusive decision-making to deliver projects that enhance engagement, health and wellness, educational performance, and long-term community value.
Mary has completed more than 100 PK–12 and higher education projects, helping clients navigate complex challenges while creating adaptable, human-centered environments with measurable educational and community impact. She has served on the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Board of Directors since 2019 and is the Past President of the Northern California/Nevada Chapter. Mary earned a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Martha Ball, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Higher Education Sector Leader at HED, shaping academic, research, and student life environments that connect people, inspire learning, and advance long-term environmental stewardship. With experience across dozens of buildings and campuses, Martha leads complex, multidisciplinary projects that align institutional vision with integrated, high-performance design solutions. Her approach emphasizes clarity, consensus-building, and inclusivity, helping clients navigate technical demands while creating resilient, resource-efficient spaces that support evolving pedagogies, campus sustainability goals, and the social and cultural richness of today’s academic communities. From housing and science facilities to student wellness centers, Martha designs environments that foster belonging, collaboration, academic success, and measurable environmental performance.
A frequent speaker at SCUP and ACUHO-I, Martha contributes to national conversations on the future of higher education, including resilient campus planning, high-performance buildings, and sustainable design. She was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2017 for her impact on research-driven, student-focused design.
Jennette La Quire, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP ID+C, is a Principal at HED and a national leader in the PreK–12 education sector, designing learning environments that reflect the values of their communities, advance sustainability, and empower student success. Based in San Diego, she partners with school districts to create high-performing spaces that support diverse teaching pedagogies, promote equity, reduce environmental impact, and remain resilient over time, whether through new construction or strategic modernization. Jennette is a passionate advocate for public schools and the students they serve, guiding clients with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to lasting impact. She brings deep fluency in California’s educational delivery process, including extensive experience with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and Department of General Services, helping clients navigate complexity while achieving long-term performance and sustainability goals. Her approach is rooted in listening, mission alignment, and designing schools that are adaptable, resource-conscious, and built to serve future generations.
In addition to her work, Jennette mentors the next generation of designers as an adjunct professor at San Diego State University and serves on HED’s Board of Directors.
