Contents


Preface

The definition of zero-energy buildings (ZEB) and net-zero energy buildings is somewhat unclear. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NERL), at the heart of the ZEB concept is the idea that buildings can meet all their energy requirements from low-cost, locally available, nonpolluting, and renewable sources. At the strictest level, a ZEB generates enough renewable energy on-site to equal or exceed its annual energy use. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a ZEB is a building that produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, thereby reducing the use of non-renewable energy in the building sector. DOE further states that ZEBs use all cost-effective measures to reduce energy usage through energy efficiency and include renewable energy systems that produce enough energy to meet remaining energy needs. According to DOE, advantages of ZEBs include lower environmental impacts, lower operating and maintenance costs, better resiliency to power outages

Setting aside the ambiguity in the definition, there is a growing concern about fluctuating energy prices, energy security, and the impact of climate change. Buildings are amongst the primary energy consumers worldwide. This fact underlines the importance of targeting building energy use as key to decreasing any nation's energy consumption. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Research Strategic Plan 2010-2015, even limited deployment of Net-Zero-Energy buildings within this timeframe will have a beneficial effect by reducing the pressure for additional energy and power supply and the reduction of GHG emissions. The building sector is poised to significantly reduce energy use by incorporating energy-efficient strategies into the design, construction, and operation of new buildings and retrofits to improve the efficiency of existing buildings. The building sector can substantially reduce dependence on energy derived from fossil fuels by increasing use of on-site and

The book has seven chapters, which are divided into two sections: Zero Energy Buildings, and Economic Prospects of Zero Energy Buildings. As the section names indicate, the book provides some technical and economic aspects of ZEBs. The book is useful as a reference for students, practicing engineers, and general public.

**Dr. Getu Hailu**

University of Alaska Anchorage,

Anchorage, Alaska, USA

and natural disasters, and improved energy security.

off-site renewable energy sources.
