The CEA Chronicle
What is net zero?
Generally, a net zero building is designed, constructed and operated to be extremely energy efficient, and the remaining energy requirements are renewably generated on-site.
There are four common definitions of net-zero, each related but distinct from each other:
- Net Zero Site Energy
Building produces as much energy as it uses, measured
at the site
The typical net-zero building today, it commonly uses
net metering
- Net Zero Source Energy
Produces as much as it uses, compared to energy content
at the source
Better at measuring total energy impact
Can be difficult to calculate site-to-source conversion
- Net Zero Emissions
Net-metering
Does not mean no energy bill
- Net Zero Cost
Emissions produced by the energy needs of the building
Best for “green” energy sources
More info
Net Zero Building Energy Definitions by US Department of Energy
Zero Energy Buildings by NREL
|
