Jean’s research explores barriers and opportunities to advance net-zero energy in commercial-industrial developments in Oregon. With a focus on the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley and High Desert, Jean evaluates current and future climate conditions and assesses how local development codes, standards and policies help or hinder net-zero performance in this building type. An accompanying design guide provides detailed design solutions for mixed-use office/industrial, warehouses, pre-engineering metal building and unoccupied service buildings. Jean partnered with Convergence Architecture, a COBID (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity) certified firm, to conduct and disseminate the recommendations.

Jessy analyzed new combinations of systems and technologies for affordable, resilient net-zero housing. Her research explores the application of a mass plywood panel envelope, monobloc heat pump to thermally condition a high-mass floor slab and thermal storage and solar energy in multifamily cluster housing. Jessy coordinated with the National Association of Minority Contractors Oregon to develop a workforce training about the fast-growing fields of mass timber and net-zero construction. Through this training, she hopes to connect diverse contractors across the state with tools and information about new construction types and net-zero building strategies. Jessy’s partners included two housing developers, HomeWork Development and Wild Hair Development, and the University of Oregon Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, among other mass timber industry partners.