Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings

Overview

Energy use in buildings worldwide accounts for over 40% of primary energy use and 24% of greenhouse gas emissions . Energy use and emissions include both direct, on-site use of fossil fuels as well as indirect use from electricity , district heating/cooling systems and embodied energy in construction materials.

Given the global challenges related to climate change and resource shortages, much more is required than incremental increases in energy efficiency. Currently, a prominent vision proposes so called "net zero energy", "zero net energy", "net zero carbon" or "EQuilibrium" buildings . Although these terms have different meaning and are poorly understood, several IEA countries have adopted this vision as a long-term goal of their building energy policies .
What is missing is a clear definition and international agreement on the measures of building performance that could inform �zero energy� building policies, programs and industry adoption.

• ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY - Net Zero Energy Buildings: International Projects of Carbon Neutrality in Buildings -- Preview of Book
  (doesn't appear to work in IE 9)
  October 2011
• Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings Fact Sheet
  SHC Version - June 2010
• Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings Fact Sheet
  ECBCS Version - 2010

Task/Annex Information

Duration October 1, 2008 -- .September 30, 2013 Operating Agent Josef Ayoub CanmetENERGY Natural Resources Canada Varennes, Qu�bec, CANADA J3X 1S6 Josef.Ayoub@rncan-nrcan.gc.ca

Task/Annex News

Task 40 Highlights 2011 7th Experts Group Meeting May 8-11, 2012 - Naples, Italy (Invitation Only) ZEMCH 2012 International Conference August 20-22, 2012 - Glasgow, UK 2nd PhD Autumn Workshop on Net Zero Energy Buildings: Solutions Sets, Case Studies September 25-29, 2012 IESC, Scientific Research Institute of Cargese, Corsica (France) Forms of Energy #12: An architecture report from Golden by Alessandra Sognamiglio Architectural Journal Domus June 27, 2011 NULLENERGIEGEBUDE Vol.1 Net Zero Energy source book in German-language Montreal PhD Summer School on Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Theory, Modeling, and Design June 20-25, 2011 - Concordia University, Montreal, Canada Conference Program HELP US WITH A SURVEY IEA NZEB Research Project - Participant Capabilities and Interests