From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Replicability and lessons learned Replicable aspects ▪Net-positive performance: The Kendeda Building proves that it is possible for buildings to generate more energy than they con- sume and manage their own water needs on-site through the integration of solar energy, rainwater harvesting and efficient systems. This net-positive performance highlights a scalable model for other buildings, demonstrating that regenerative design principles can be applied successfully even in climates with high humidity, such as Atlanta’s. ▪Community engagement: Ensuring long-term engagement and educational programming was a key part of the Kendeda Build- ing’s design. The building serves as a “living laboratory”, providing ongoing opportunities for Georgia Tech students, faculty and the wider community to engage with sustainable design practices. This commitment to education and community involvement helps the building maintain its relevance as a resource for sustainability knowledge, building a stronger connection between the project and its users over time. Jonathan Hillyer 128 129Lessons learned ▪Supply chain considerations: Incorporating reclaimed materi- als required flexibility in sourcing and design adaptation, as the availability of salvaged materials (such as wood from dismantled buildings and film sets) was not always predictable. This neces- sitated close coordination with suppliers and designers to ensure that the materials aligned with the building’s sustainability goals without compromising design integrity or functionality. ▪Policy and regulatory hurdles: Adapting building codes to sup- port net-positive water and energy strategies required extensive coordination with municipal authorities. Early engagement with regulators was crucial to navigating the regulatory framework and securing approval for innovative systems such as rainwater harvesting and advanced energy solutions. This process high- lighted the need for flexibility in existing codes to accommodate sustainable, regenerative design practices. Challenges ▪Climate adaptation: The Kendeda Building serves as a model for climate-resilient design in the southeastern US, where extreme weather events, including hurricanes and flooding, are becoming more frequent. For this project, integrating features such as rain- water harvesting and efficient energy systems was essential to mitigating the effects of the region’s unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring that the building remains adaptable to future challenges. ▪Funding model: The Kendeda Building’s philanthropic funding model enabled the flexibility necessary to prioritize sustainability over traditional profit-driven goals. While this model facilitated the integration of cutting-edge sustainable technologies and design, alternative financial strategies would need to be used for commercial or market-driven projects such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) or other forms of investment. ▪Scaling circular construction: The use of reclaimed materials is central to the Kendeda Building’s design. Coordinating the procure- ment and transport of salvaged materials often requires extra effort and planning, as these materials can be harder to source consist - ently. Furthermore, designs may need to be adapted to account for variations in material availability, which can impact cost and time- lines, making this process more complex for larger-scale projects. Next steps ▪The Kendeda Building continues to serve as an evolving research facility, tracking long-term performance data to refine best prac- tices for sustainable design. Georgia Tech aims to expand its sustainability curriculum using the building as a core teaching tool. ▪Ongoing industry partnerships seek to replicate its principles in commercial developments. The lessons from this project are informing broader discussions on sustainable building policies and market-driven approaches to net-positive design.