Zero net energy (ZNE) has gained traction in the built environment with the conversation shifting from kilowatts to carbon as the world tackles global warming and climate change.
This five-minute guide is a brief introduction to some of the key definitions, approaches, metrics, strategies and essential elements needed to achieve net zero energy and carbon. It shows the growth trends of ZNE buildings, policies around the world and highlights some of the most relevant projects that have achieved net zero energy and carbon.
Six steps to zero design
To maximise the return on investment of measures implemented in construction, Arup's guide develops a six-step approach to cost-effective zero energy and carbon (ZNE+C) design.
One of the measures discussed in the guide is load reduction, i.e. reducing the energy demands of the building through passive strategies such as improved insulation. The next step would be to adopt passive strategies, implementing passive design measures that take advantage of environmental conditions to meet building loads such as natural ventilation.
Efficient systems can be used to reduce losses, i.e. by increasing the energy efficiency of active systems (systems that use energy), a reduction in losses is achieved.
Similarly, energy recovery would be another such step. Supplying energy by recovering it from existing losses, through a heat recovery system from exhaust air or even waste water.
The guide also points to renewable energy generation, such as solar thermal panels, and even if necessary, the remainder of the energy budget could be offset through investment in energy efficiency projects.
