IEA Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems Programme Task Header
SHC Task 40 - ECBCS Annex 52

Subtasks

Subtask A: Analysis, Methodologies & Large-Scale Implications

The objective of this Subtask is to establish an internationally agreed understanding on NZEBs based on a common methodology.  The Participants shall achieve this objective by:

  • The review and analysis of existing NZEB definitions and data (site/source energy, emissions, exergy, costs, etc.) with respect to the demand and the supply side;
  • A study of grid interaction (power/heating/cooling) and time dependent energy mismatch analysis.
  • The development of a common methodology and definition for the NZEB concept considering large-scale implications, exergy, credit systems for the grid interaction (power/heating/cooling) and relevant ISO/CEN standards.
  • The development of a monitoring and verification concept for checking the annual balance in practice (energy, emissions and costs) harmonized with the definition.

Subtask B: Energy Efficiency and Energy Supply, Simulation and Tools

The Subtask aims to identify and investigate key measurements and technologies and to produce a user-friendly (e.g. spreadsheet or web based) NZEB energy balance tool.  The Participants shall achieve this objective by:

  • A technology focused review of existing NZEB concepts for cold, moderate and hot climates and identification of technological improvements considering sustainability, economy and future prospects.
  • Detailed simulations of innovative technologies such as advanced solar systems and micro co-generation in connection with building energy loads, solar gain control, energy storage, controls and utility grids.
  • The development and testing of simplified NZEB tools or interfaces (e.g. spreadsheet or web-based method) linked to a national / international database of building archetypes and technologies including a tool for architects to support architectural integration at the early design stage.

Subtask C: Advanced Concepts, Architecture and Design for Non-Residential and Residential Buildings

The objectives of this Subtask are: to develop and test whole building net-zero solutions sets for cold, moderate and hot climates with exemplary architecture that would be the basis for national demonstration projects; to document NZEB design options in terms of market and design acceptance and lifecycle energy and CO2 implications; and to develop guidelines and tools to advance industry adoption of integrated designs and concepts.  The Participants shall achieve these objectives by:

  • • Documenting and analyzing existing NZEBs, benchmarking with near NZEBs and other very low energy buildings (new and existing) and undertaking lifecycle assessment and optimization studies with respect to material/resource use and technologies for participating countries.
  • With Subtask B, developing tools, guidelines and case studies for architects, engineers, manufacturers and clients to support the market adoption of practical, integrated NZEB concepts.
  • With Subtask B, developing advanced NZEB concepts that integrate engineering solutions and exemplary architecture for the different climates (cold, moderate and hot) of participating countries and building types - in close cooperation with architects, builders, planners, manufacturers, clients and utilities – as the basis for national demonstration projects.

Due to the complexity, the Subtask will be divided into a non-residential (C1) and a residential (C2) stream.

(It should be noted that - after considering several structural options - this proposal does not incorporate a dedicated Solar Architecture Subtask. The proponents for this work have met and are recommending a separate Task. They feel that this Task would be too restrictive regarding the activities and the range of buildings that could benefit from their proposed work. This will be a topic of discussion for the SHC ExCo)

Subtask D: Dissemination

The objective of the dissemination activity is to support knowledge transfer and market adoption of NZEBs on a national and international level.

This is not a separate Subtask but integrates the activities of Subtasks A, B, and C. Each Subtask will be responsible for the production of designated parts of the overall information dissemination activity. Subtask leaders will be responsible for the coordination of the individual contributions of Subtask participants and for coordination with the other Subtasks where a combined output is planned. Individual participants will be selected to take over responsibility for each of the proposed dissemination activities. These dissemination activities will be coordinated through the Task Steering Committee.

The Participants shall achieve the objectives by:

  • Establishing an NZEB web page, within the IEA SHCP framework, and an database that can be expanded and updated with the latest projects and experiences.
  • Producing a NZEB source book including example buildings for all investigated building types and climates.
  • Transferring the Task outputs to national policy groups, industry associations, utilities, academia and funding programmes.
  • Establishing an education network for student competitions, summer schools, contributions to the Solar Decathlon and similar activities.
  • Workshops, architectural competitions and articles and features in magazines to stimulate market adoption.

 

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International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Programme
International Energy Agency Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems Programme