Net Zero Energy Buildings: Variations, Clarifications, and Requirements in Response to the Paris Agreement

Haleh Moghaddasi, Charles Culp, Jorge Vanegas and Mehrdad Ehsani
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Haleh Moghaddasi: Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Charles Culp: Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Jorge Vanegas: Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Mehrdad Ehsani: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-21

Abstract: Buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that cause environmental impacts on climate change. Net Zero Energy (NZ) buildings would reduce greenhouse gases. The current definition of NZ lacks consensus and has created uncertainties, which cause delays in the adoption of NZ. This paper proposes a Process for Clarification to Accelerate the Net Zero (PC-A-NZ) through three integrated steps: variations, strategies, and requirements. We expand on the results in published NZ literature to clarify the differences in definition and strategy. The objective of this review is to (1) distinguish current variable parameters that are slowing the acceptance of NZ, and (2) focus the discussion internationally on moving faster toward applying NZ to a larger common agreement. The publications of global NZ target assessment and energy efficient strategies will be reviewed to address the main requirements in expediting NZ’s successful progress. Our NZ review analysis highlights (1) how the existing NZ definitions and criteria differ, (2) how calculation strategies vary, and (3) how standards and requirements are often localized. The proposed PC-A-NZ will help policymakers and stakeholders to re-evaluate the existing definitions, standards, and requirements to optimize the use of renewable technologies, improved energy efficiency and electrification to speed up achieving the NZ targets. Definition: There are multiple NZ definitions that vary in source and supply requirement, timescale, emission source, and grid connection.

Keywords: climate action target; net zero energy building; net zero variation; energy efficiency strategy; electrification; renewable energy; decarbonization; net zero standard (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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