Climate change and global warming are posing an irreversible threat to our planet. Commercial and residential buildings are the largest energy consumers leading to faster depletion of sources. The recent decade has witnessed an alarming depletion of sources mainly due to these buildings. Statistics show that only 14% of people actively participate in the act of protecting the environment, whereas a large 48% only extend their sympathy while having no practical contribution.
Net-zero energy building tools like appropriate environment-friendly home cooling solutions can help the planet's case to a great extent. A lot of countries are considering net-zero energy building projects to help put a halt to the deteriorating climate conditions. Designing a net zero energy building is not easy, but definitely possible. Ditching fossil fuels and restricting the emission of harmful chemicals is important for the building sector to achieve net zero carbon 2050 as set by the Paris Agreement. Several countries are trying to buckle up and use technologies that are harmless to the environment and ones that will be able to produce their energy through renewable resources.
What is a Net Zero Energy Building?
A net zero energy building is not reliant on energy from outside sources. They make and supply their energy through sustainable and renewable resources. This arrangement leads to zero carbon emissions. For any building to be called a net zero energy building, it must be able to produce its annual energy requirement through renewable sources. They derive their energy from electrical grids and push back the unused energy to offset their energy consumption.
A net zero energy building is also called a green building since they do not rely on the planet for its energy and thus does not exploit its non-renewable resources.
Designing a Net Zero Energy Building
Designing a net zero energy building may not be the easiest task, but it has several benefits. Here are some essential features that can make a building eligible to be called a net zero energy building.
Concepts of Bioclimatic Architecture
Designers look to make the best use of the natural climate when designing a net-zero energy building. They try to use natural light at its best during the day and balance thermal energy losses. Well-calculated sun protections, use of reflective materials etc., can be used to capture the best of natural light.
Efficient Equipment and Lighting
Choosing the right appliances is the key to achieving net zero energy buildings. We must strive to reduce consumption and improve efficiency. Choosing energy-efficient appliances is the way to go. A net zero energy building must do away with air conditioners and opt for whole-house fan installations or other alternatives that will help save a lot of energy.
Renewable Energy Source
No matter how much you cut down on appliances and energy consumption, a building will need sufficient energy to be functional. And a net zero energy building derives its energy from natural and renewable resources that pose no threat to the world.
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Having the right energy tapping instruments like solar panels in the right place will work like a backbone for any net zero energy building. Therefore, depending on the best sources available, one must try to tap it the best way possible.
Ditch Fossil Fuels
Net zero energy buildings should use the least amount of fossil fuels. Therefore, try to look for alternatives for gas and oil. Geothermal energy, electricity or heat pumps are a great option when they come from renewable resources.
Insulation
Insulation is very important for buildings that are located in extreme weather conditions. Using the right kind of insulation will eliminate the need for heating systems, thereby cutting down on energy consumption whenever possible. Similarly, the same can be done for ventilation and cooling in humid areas that can replace the need for air conditioners.
The world is striving hard to save the planet and the coming generations. Net zero energy buildings can bring about a great change if done properly. It is not just the government or authority's responsibility but also the citizens'. We can try our best to make the planet a better place to live in. The steps need not be as big as building a net zero energy building. You can contribute as much as you can, like using energy-saving tips for summer and reducing your carbon footprint and utility bills.
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