The world is focusing on building net zero energy properties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb global warming. Let’s be active contributors!
The building industry is reportedly emitting large amounts of greenhouse gasses, thus resulting in climate change. So, net zero energy buildings can contribute significantly towards controlling global warming in the upcoming years. It’s high time we step up and take urgent action to curb climate change.
What Is a Net Zero Energy Building?
A zero net energy building, or ZNEB, is an efficient process of generating onsite energy using clean renewable resources. Over a year, this optimally efficient method can generate or supply energy in equal or higher quantities than the total power consumed onsite.
There are multiple advantages of a net zero energy building design as properties are known to consume less energy, that too, without utilizing non-renewable energy resources, such as fossil fuels. Although the initial costs of ZNEB construction may be higher, and the procedure might seem complex, the result is worth the time, effort, and money.
– It contributes significantly towards zero energy goals that nations across the globe are taking.
– It protects occupants against future unforeseen energy price hikes.
– It reduces overall energy consumption and monthly utility bills.
– It is environment-friendly. – It enhances reliability.
– It improves the building owner’s health, comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.
How Does a Building Achieve Net Zero Energy?
Builders and designers are utilizing integrated building and designing techniques to generate ultra-efficient commercial and residential structures. With the rising need for net zero energy building, they are determining which specific technologies and strategies could be implemented to ensure the highest energy efficiency. Some of these energy efficiency measures and strategies include:
– Passive Design Strategies:
Passive design approaches help increase energy performance while reducing energy usage. They mostly operate without using energy, as seen in devices or systems like high-efficiency appliances, air sealing, low-energy HVAC systems, insulation, ventilation, etc.
– Renewable Energy Generation:
The next step toward net zero energy construction is to determine the most suitable and relevant renewable energy source, depending on the unique needs of the property. Solar panels are an excellent solution for residential structures, while wind generators may create ultra-efficient energy at low cost for industrial buildings. Other renewable energy sources include biomass, hydroelectric, solar thermal, photovoltaics, and geothermal.
– Energy Monitoring and Management:
Constructing high-performance buildings involves constant energy management and monitoring to optimize energy efficiency from time to time. Technicians and other concerned professionals collect, analyze, and compare energy consumption data to identify its performance.
– On-Site Energy Storage:
You can store your onsite-generated energy within or near your premises for future use. If your rooftop has solar panels, you can store excess energy in solar batteries to use later or sell back to the grid.
– Behavioral Changes and Occupant Engagement:
While builders and designers have great contributions toward high-performing constructions, the occupants, too, must engage actively in maintaining the usage of efficient energy. Building owners should have a positive attitude and be willing to create a net zero energy ecosystem.
– Grid Interaction and Offsetting:
Another successful part of a net zero energy building design is its efficient grid interaction and offsetting. Thanks to today’s technologies, which let us store excess energy through a grid connection, which we can use later. Since energy production through renewable sources relies on climatic conditions, we can preserve our energy for future use, especially when weather situations aren’t favorable for energy generation.
– Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainable Materials:
Builders and designers use sustainable construction materials to improve longevity. They also perform regular life cycle analyzes to determine issues like disabled sensors, leaks, clogged filters, and bad wiring. It enables them to fix issues on time, thus improving the lifespan of building materials.
– Occupant Comfort and Well-being:
To achieve net zero energy in buildings, builders and designers prioritize enhancing the occupant’s comfort, health, and mental well-being. Since ZNEB properties are reliable, eco-friendly, and reduce one’s energy bills, they offer much-needed peace of mind.
– Regular Maintenance and Monitoring:
Builders also need to perform energy audits and regular maintenance to make minor adjustments whenever required. Constant monitoring can also help identify the loopholes that may be present in energy systems, allowing builders to upgrade them promptly.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, countries worldwide are focusing more on creating net zero energy and decarbonized buildings. Therefore, we should act as significant contributors and build a cleaner and greener environment for our future. We recommend you consult professional and reputable net zero energy design services to achieve ZNEB construction efficiently.
