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”, “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.

Task Information

Duration October 1, 2008 -- .September 30, 2013 Operating Agent Mark Riley S&T Director CANMET Energy Technology Centre Natural Resources Canada NetZeroBuildings@nrcan.gc.ca

Task News

The Task was approved at the June 2008 IEA SHC Executive Committee Meeting in Graz, Austria