Buildings with net zero energy consumption deploy specific types of efficiency measures. Net zero buildings also leverage onsite renewables to produce as much energy as they use. One of the key highlights of net zero buildings is that they have low or no emissions. Climate change is accurate, and we are already facing its adverse effects. The world is feeling the repercussions of global warming, from unseasonal rains to floods and wildfires. As a result, governments worldwide are implementing greener methods to help the real estate sector achieve a carbon-free stature.
A net zero building refers to a building with zero energy consumption. The total energy the building uses annually equals the amount of renewable energy created on the site. It is standard for net zero buildings to use heat pumps, advanced energy-saving windows and solar panels. However, NetZero buildings contribute to fewer emissions and are ideal for promoting sustainability.
Overview of Net Zero Buildings
Net zero buildings help mitigate climate change by decreasing emissions from energy consumption. A net zero structure produces as much energy as it consumes. The energy produced could be a combination of onsite and renewable energy sources located offsite.
Net zero buildings rely on secondary sources of energy and minimize carbon footprint. Net zero buildings feature climate-responsive design and technology interventions. Net zero buildings can meet energy demand using renewable sources.
For instance, it is common for net zero buildings to use renewable sources of energy like wind, solar or geothermal energy. These types of facilities also offer direct economic benefits. The economic benefits can be in the form of reduced energy consumption, improved energy efficiency and security.
Net Zero Buildings feature Bioclimatic Architecture
Nowadays, net zero buildings boast bioclimatic architecture and passive concepts by designing buildings connected to the local climate and energy. In other words, net zero buildings use as much natural light as possible during the day.
It also balances thermal energy loss that helps in lowering emissions. From the placement of the frames to well-calculated sun protections, net zero buildings can take advantage of natural resources.
Availability of Onsite Renewable Energy
At the core of net zero buildings is their ability to produce energy. Net zero buildings can have power from low-cost and non-polluting renewable sources. Nowadays, most net zero buildings feature photovoltaic cells or water-heating panels.
They also leverage using local wind systems or other sources of renewable energy. It is essential to mention that net zero buildings can export excess energy. Therefore, designing net zero buildings can help the economy too.
Eliminating the use of Fossil Fuels
Another essential concept in net zero buildings is using zero fossil fuels. Therefore, you will not find heating solutions based on fossil fuels in net-zero buildings.
Based on the context, net zero buildings rely on heating and cooling solutions based on renewable energy sources. Therefore, it is common to find net zero buildings using electricity generated from clean and renewable energy sources.
Essential Components of a Net Zero Building
A net zero building also refers to a building with no net carbon emissions during construction and operation. Emissions are decreased, and the leftover emissions get balanced by renewable energy. Here are some of the integral components of a net zero building.
- Net Zero in Operation: For the operational carbon emissions of a building to be zero, it should be energy efficient. Moreover, the building should draw power from renewable energy sources.
- Net Zero in Lifetime: A truly net zero building should achieve net zero in whole-life carbon. In other words, the building should produce zero carbon emissions lifetime.
- Net Zero in Construction: Net zero buildings should produce zero emissions while it is being constructed. In addition, the construction processes should leverage greener methods.
Use of Efficient Lighting
When the context concerns reducing emissions, you cannot ignore the importance of lighting fixtures.
In simple words, most net zero buildings use energy-efficient lighting fixtures. From refrigeration to HVAC, everything relies on greener sources of energy. Therefore, such a building contributes to fewer emissions.
Net zero buildings are a reality, thanks to the increased awareness among people of global warming. As a result, governments worldwide are encouraging the establishment of net zero buildings to meet sustainability goals.
