NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDING

Amid growing concerns about rising energy prices, energy independence, and the impact of climate change, statistics show buildings to be the primary energy consumer in the U.S. This fact underscores the importance of targeting building energy use as a key to decrease the nation's energy consumption.

The concept of a Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB), which produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year, recently has been evolving from research to reality. Currently, there are only a small number of highly efficient buildings that meet the criteria to be called "Net Zero". As a result of advances in construction technologies, renewable energy systems, and academic research, creating Net Zero Energy buildings is becoming more and more feasible.

While the exact definitions of metrics for "net zero energy" vary, most agree that Net Zero Energy Buildings combine:

1.Exemplary building design to minimize energy requirements 

2. Renewable energy systems to meet these reduced energy needs.

 

 A Zero Energy Building Design produces as much energy as it uses 

Examples of zero-carbon buildings are emerging around the world, and not in the geographies one might expect. From Mexico to India, from Kenya to China, one can see numerous examples of net or nearly zero carbon building designs, many availing themselves of renewable power resources like sun and wind. In India, WRI is working on the ground in select cities to create pathways to zero-carbon buildings. 

At least for climate, the end goal is increasingly clear: We must deliver buildings that at the individual or portfolio level constructed and operated at a zero-carbon basis. By beginning now with sound and pragmatic approaches, we can ensure that a decarbonized building sector by 2050 becomes a goal within reach of every city in this world.

 

 WRITTEN BY- RIYA

                   ( NET IMPACT MEMBER ) 

CURATED BY - POOJAN