In the United States, direct energy use in buildings accounts for 39% of carbon dioxide emissions per year'more than any other sector. Buildings contribute to a changing climate and warming of the earth in ways that will significantly affect future generations. Zero net energy (ZNE) buildings are a practical and cost-effective way to reduce our energy needs, employ clean solar and wind technologies, protect the environment, and improve our lives. Interest in ZNE buildings, which produce as much energy as they use over the course of a year, has been growing rapidly.
In the Design Professional's Guide to Zero Net Energy Buildings, Charles Eley draws from over 40 years of his own experience, and interviews with other industry experts, to lay out the principles for achieving ZNE buildings and the issues surrounding their development. Eley emphasizes the importance of building energy use in achieving a sustainable future; describes how building energy use can be minimized through smart design and energy efficiency technologies; and presents practical information on how to incorporate renewable energy technologies to meet the lowered energy needs. The book identifies the building types and climates where meeting the goal will be a challenge and offers solutions for these special cases. It shows the reader, through examples and explanations, that these solutions are viable and cost-effective.
ZNE buildings are practical and cost-effective ways to address climate change without compromising our quality of life. ZNE buildings are an energizing concept and one that is broadly accepted yet, there is little information on what is required to actually meet these goals. This book shows that the goal is feasible and can be practically achieved in most buildings, that our construction industry is up to the challenge, and that we already have the necessary technologies and knowledge.
Preface
Chapter 1 We Have But One Earth Sources, Sinks and the Earth's Limits Climate Change United States Energy Use ZNE Buildings
Chapter 2 Smart Building Design Long Life, Loose Fit Form and Configuration Building Envelope Lighting Systems and Visual Comfort Heating, Cooling, Ventilation and Thermal Comfort How Low Can We Go
Chapter 3 Here Comes the Sun The Potential Solar PV Technology Cost Effectiveness and Financing ZNE Feasibility
Chapter 4 Energy Modeling The Need for Energy Modeling Comparing Options Energy Performance Standards and Building Ratings Fixing the Baseline Scenario Analysis
Chapter 5 Making it all Work Project Delivery Methods Commissioning Building Management Systems Managing the Stuff Inside
Chapter 6 Metrics and Boundaries Operational vs. Asset Assessments Accounting for Energy Other Than Electricity Defining Renewable Energy Assessing ZNE for Multiple Buildings Expanding the Boundary Summary
Chapter 7 ZNE for the Mainstream Standards Making the Market Work ZNE and the Future Electric Utilities
Chapter 8 Beyond ZNE Indirect Building Energy Use New Urbanism
A Vision for Our Grandchildren
"The distinguished architect and engineer Charles Eley has distilled his decades of experience into this masterfully clear, graceful, modern, and practical guide to designing buildings that produce at least as much renewable energy as they use. As markets and rules increasingly demand 'Zero Net Energy' performance, the design professionals, developers, financiers, and policymakers seeking to deliver it will welcome this lucid and inspiring roadmap."
