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Subtask A: Definitions and Implications
Net ZEB Evaluation Tool
Excel Spreadsheet
November 2012 - XLS 0.65MB
By: Annamaria Belleri, Assunta Napolitano
The Net ZEB evaluation tool is an excel-based tool that enables energy balance, operating cost and load match index calculation for selected definition. It aims at evaluating solutions adopted in new building design with respect to different Net ZEB definitions (for building designers), assessing the balance in monitored buildings (for energy managers), and assisting the upcoming implementation process of Net ZEBs within the national normative framework (for decision makers).
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Zero Energy Building Definition – A Literature Review
A Technical Report of Subtask A
September 2012 - PDF 0.17MB
By: Anna Joanna Marszal and Per Heiselberg
Results of this literature review are presented in two parts. First part presents key publications that significantly contribute to the discussion on ZEB definitions, and finally the discussion itself. In the second part, Appendix, the ZEB definitions from the literature are divided into the groups in order to give the reader an overview of the wide variety of ZEB definitions.
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Net zero energy building: A review of current definitions and definition development in Belgium.
Subtask A: Definitions and Implications
June 2012 - PDF 0.27MB
By: Erwin Mlecnik, Shady Attia, Stefan Van Look
The recast of the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires the uptake of a definition of so called ‘nearly zero energy’ buildings (nZEB). Belgium was first to set a definition for a ‘net zero energy house’ (NZEB) in 2009. Every year the definition is revised for consistency with shortcomings and emerging issues. The Belgian definition raised many questions regarding (1) the net balance, (2) the application and calculation method (3) the indoor air quality and comfort, (4) energy use included in the balance, (5) the type of buildings, (6) the accepted renewable energy supply options, (7) the quality assurance and monitoring and (8) energy storage and the connection to the energy infrastructure. Therefore, the paper presents a review on the current Belgian definition and its market status in comparison with the international context. The aim of the paper is to review current definition discussions and pave the way to a more consistent definition.
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Principles for Nearly Zero Energy Building in Belgium
Subtask A: Definitions and Implications
June 2012
The recast of the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires all new buildings to
be “nearly zero energy’ buildings (nZEB) by 2020, including existing buildings undergoing major
renovations. Belgium was first to set a definition for a ‘net zero energy house’ (NZEB) in 2009. Every
year the definition is revised for consistency with shortcomings and emerging issues. However, to
reach the nZEB objective many questions are raised in the Belgian context. Many uncertainties exist
among local governments and municipalities to achieve that objective. Therefore, the paper presents
a review on the current Belgian definition and its market status in comparison with the international
context. The paper builds on existing experience with the implementation of the EPB calculation
method and the Passive House initiative. The aim of the paper is to review current definition
discussions and pave the way to a more consistent definition. Finally, four principles are suggested to
reach the nZEB objectives in Belgium.
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Net zero energy buildings: A consistent definition framework
February 2012 - PDF 0.68MB
By: Igor Sartori, Assunta Napolitano, Karsten Voss
The term Net ZEB, Net Zero Energy Building, indicates a building connected to the energy grids. It is recognized that the sole satisfaction of an annual balance is not sufficient to fully characterize Net ZEBs and the interaction between buildings and energy grids need to be addressed. It is also recognized that different definitions are possible, in accordance with a country’s political targets and specific conditions. This paper presents a consistent framework for setting Net ZEB definitions. Evaluation of the criteria in the definition framework and selection of the related options becomes a methodology to set Net ZEB definitions in a systematic way. The balance concept is central in the definition framework and two major types of balance are identified, namely the import/export balance and the load/generation balance. As compromise between the two a simplified monthly net balance is also described. Concerning the temporal energy match, two major characteristics are described to reflect a Net ZEB’s ability to match its own load by on-site generation and to work beneficially with respect to the needs of the local grids. Possible indicators are presented and the concept of grid interaction flexibility is introduced as a desirable target in the building energy design.
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Net Zero Energy Building: A Review of Current Definitions and Market Status in Belgium
November 2011 - PDF 0.11MB
By: Erwin Melecnik, Shady Attia, Stefan Van Loon, Irena Kondratenko
The recast of the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires the uptake of a definition of so called ‘nearly zero energy’ buildings (nZEBs). The Belgian Monarch is one of the first countries that set a definition for a ‘net zero energy house’ (NZEB) in 2009. However, this definition is not cast in stone. Every year the definition is revised for consistency with shortcomings and emerging issues. In fact, the Belgian definition raised many questions regarding (1) the net balance, (2) the application and calculation method (3) the indoor air quality and comfort, (4) energy use included in the balance, (5) the type of buildings, (6) the accepted renewable energy supply options, (7) the quality assurance and monitoring and (8) energy storage and the connection to the energy infrastructure. Therefore, the paper presents a review on the current Belgian definition and its market status in comparison with the international context. The aim of the paper is to review the current definition and proposes a more consistent definition.
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Understanding Net Zero Energy Buildings: Evaluation of Load Matching and Grid Interaction Indicators
Proceedings of Building Simulation 2011: 12th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association, Sydney, 14-16 November
November 2011 - PDF 1.16MB
By: Jaume Salom, Joakim Widén, José Candanedo, Igor Sartori, Karsten Voss, Anna Marszal
Although several alternative definitions exist, a Net-Zero Energy Building (Net ZEB) can be succinctly described as a grid-connected building that generates as much energy as it uses over a year. The “net-zero” balance is attained by applying energy conservation and efficiency measures and by incorporating renewable energy systems. While based on annual balances, a complete description of a Net ZEB requires examining the system at smaller time-scales. This assessment should address: (a) the relationship between power generation and building loads and (b) the resulting interaction with the power grid. This paper presents and categorizes quantitative indicators
suitable to describe both aspects of the building’s performance. These indicators, named LMGI - Load Matching and Grid Interaction indicators, are easily quantifiable and could complement the output variables of existing building simulation tools. The indicators and examples presented here deal only with electric generation and loads.
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From Low-Energy to Net Zero-Energy Buildigns: Status and Perspectives
April 2011 - PDF 0.93MB
By: Karsten Voss, Eike Musall, and Markus Lichtmeß
“Net Zero-Energy Building” has become a popular catchphrase to describe the synergy between energy-efficient building and renewable energy utilisation to achieve a balanced energy budget over an annual cycle. Taking into account the energy exchange with a grid overcomes the limitations of energy-autonomous buildings with the need for seasonal energy storage on-site. Although the expression, “Net Zero-Energy Building,” appears in many energy policy documents, a harmonised definition or a standardised balancing method is still lacking. This paper reports on the background and the various effects influencing the energy balance approach. After discussing the national energy code framework in Germany, a harmonised terminology and balancing procedure is proposed. The procedure takes not only the energy balance but also energy efficiency and load matching into account.
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Zero Energy Building: A Review of Definitions and Calculation Methodologies
December 2010 - PDF 0.18MB
By: A.J. Marszala, P.Heiselberg, J.S.Bourrelle, E.Musall, K.Voss, I.Sartori, A.Napolitano
The concept of Zero Energy Building (ZEB) has gained wide international attention during last few years and is now seen as the future target for the design of buildings. However, before being fully implemented in the national building codes and international standards, the ZEB concept requires clear and consis- tent definition and a commonly agreed energy calculation methodology. The most important issues that should be given special attention before developing anewZEB definition are: (1) the metric of the balance, (2) the balancing period, (3) the type of energy use included in the balance, (4) the type of energy balance, (5) the accepted renewable energy supply options, (6) the connection to the energy infrastructure and (7) the requirements for the energy efficiency, the indoor climate and in case of gird connected ZEB for the building–grid interaction. This paper focuses on the review of the most of the existing ZEB definitions and the various approaches towards possible ZEB calculation methodologies. It presents and discusses possible answers to the abovementioned issues in order to facilitate the development of a consistent ZEB definition and a robust energy calculation methodology.
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Defining nearly zero-energy housing in Belgium and the Netherlands
Subtask A: Definitions and Implications
November 2010 - PDF 0.33MB
Europe expects the housing sector to evolve towards ‘nearly zero-energy’ dwellings. Meanwhile, general terms and research, marketing and legal definitions considering such dwellings have already been introduced. Appraisal of existing definitions
is now needed for further policy development. This paper examines what nearly zero-energy terms can be expected to be adopted in Belgium and the Netherlands. The research method uses an interview method based on innovation diffusion theory. The analysis traces the regional adoption trajectory of relevant definitions and examines the opportunities and barriers for the inclusion of existing definitions in regional energy policy. The analysis shows that—whilst international prominence of the terms ‘net zero energy’ and ‘net zero carbon’, in addition to ‘low energy’ and ‘passive house’, is observed—in Belgium and the Netherlands ‘passive house’ and ‘energy neutral’ are preferred. The research findings indicate
that the adoption of already existing definitions for nearly zero-energy houses will depend on the region and can prove a very complex process with several conflicting issues. Terms should be clearly defined and used at all political and marketing levels. It is recommended to enhance the relative advantage, demonstrability, visibility and compatibility of favoured
definitions by policy initiatives.
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Comfort and Energy Performance Recommendations for Net Zero Energy Buildings
Eurosun 2010 Paper
March 2010 - PDF 0.09MB
By: I. Sartori et. al
Conceptually, a Net Zero Energy Building (Net ZEB) is a building with greatly reduced energy needs that are balanced by an equivalent generation of electricity, or other energy carriers, from renewable sources. So far no common agreement exists on a clear and sound definition of Net ZEB, even though the subject is receiving significant attention in many countries. A major advantage of the Net ZEB approach is claimed to be the absence of energy performance indicators, hence avoiding the need to set internationally agreed limits.
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Criteria for Definition of Net Zero Energy Buildings
Eurosun 2010 Paper
March 2010 - PDF 0.03MB
By: Igor Sartori, Assunta Napolitano, Anna J. Marszal, Shanti Pless, Paul Torcellini and Karsten Voss
The idea of a Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) is understood conceptually, as it is understood that the way a NZEB is defined affects significantly the way it is designed in order to achieve the goal. However, little agreement exists on a common definition that is based on scientific analysis. The term is used commercially without a clear understanding and countries are enacting policies and national targets based on the concept without a clear definition in place.
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Load Matching and Grid Interaction of Net Zero Energy Buildings
Eurosun 2010 Paper
March 2010 - PDF 0.11MB
By: K. Voss et. al.
Net zero energy use. The goal sounds simple and is presented excessively in variations all over the world. Major advantage of the Net Zero Energy Building (Net ZEB) concept is – on the first look – the absence of energy performance indicators such as kWh/m² with the need to set agreed energy limits and reference areas. This simplicity is a major background for the high political and public acceptance of the wording. In general a conventional building might be called Net ZEB as long as the annual energy needs or the associated carbon emissions are balanced by credits from excess energy feed into the grid.
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Net Zero Energy Buildings: Calculation Methods and input Variables - An international View
Eurosun 2010 Paper
March 2010 - PDF 0.02MB
By: J. Bourrelle et .al.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), through the Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (SHC) Task 40 and the Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems Programme (ECBCS) Annex 52 [1], works towards developing a common understanding and setting up the basis for an international definition framework for Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). The understanding for such buildings and how the NZEB status should be calculated differs in each of the participating country. Within the task activities, the participants surveyed and compared the variables used for calculation and each country’s national calculation methodologies.
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Goal: Zero Energy Building
Exemplary Experience Based on the Solar Estate Solarsiedlung Freiburg am Schlierberg, Germany
December 2009 - PDF 0.32MB
By: Mira Heinze and Prof. Karsten Voss
Zero energy consumption. The goal sounds simple and is presented excessively in variations all over the world. Energy and environmental politics demand zero consumption as a long-term goal, marketing has discovered the concept and first buildings and settlements aiming at balanced energy or emission budgets have been constructed.
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