What Is a Net Zero Energy Building?

-


A Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) is one that produces as much energy as it consumes, making it the ultimate sustainability goal for a commercial project. It’s a simple concept in theory, but a challenge that requires complete commitment in order to achieve, requiring expert collaboration and innovative solutions from the project’s conceptual phase through to completion, including working with a leading commercial HVAC company in NJ.

Why Choose to Build an NZEB?

Following this building philosophy takes a huge upfront investment, but it’s all about long-term goals. According to 2018 data gathered by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), buildings accounted for 40% of total energy consumption in the USA, around 40 quadrillion British thermal units (BTU). With rising energy costs and increasing scarcity of fossil fuels, an NZEB is a sensible option for reducing long-term costs while meeting building performance needs effectively.

Developers and the public are also becoming not only increasingly aware of sustainability measures but also in favor thereof. This means that making this move will be a great way to attract commercial and residential tenants as well as provide organizations with a significant public relations boost to their brand.

Key Principles Behind an NZEB

According to the World Green Building Council, the guiding principles behind an NZEB include:

  • The Accurate Tracking and Measurement of Carbon Emissions

  • Actively Reducing the Building’s Energy Demands Through Commitment to Energy Efficiency 

Measures include design strategies that reduce load, like sun control and shading devices, air barrier systems, insulation, high-efficiency HVAC and ventilation systems, and high-performance envelopes.

  • Generating Energy From Renewable Resources to Be Utilized by the Building and Tenants

For example, energy can be generated from commercial solar systems, geothermal heat pumps, the use of biofuel, and wind turbines. In many cases, buildings are not able to meet their energy requirements through on-site measures, in which case off-site sources can be used. Excess energy can also be fed back into the grid to allow others access to renewable energy and to generate financial returns through SRECs and other governmental programs.

  • A Commitment to Additional Sustainability Measures 

Additional sustainability measures can include water collection and conservation, recycling, and reduction of waste, for example.

Net Zero Energy Buildings Are Already Here

Thanks to innovations in building design, materials, renewable technology, and energy-efficient systems, NZEBs are becoming a reality around the world. Current examples include:

  • The National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

Currently the largest NZEB in the USA, this 220,000-square foot building in Golden, Colorado incorporates advanced heat recovery technologies, 1,6 million megawatts of photovoltaic power, daylighting design, and natural ventilation. It was designed as a model for high-energy performance, cost-competitive buildings, showing the industry what’s possible.

  • The Edge (Deloitte HQ) 

Located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, this NZEB showcases what large corporations can achieve through a commitment to sustainability. Known as “The Smartest Building in the World”, this building utilizes smart technology to create a fully automated and customized environment that optimizes energy savings at every turn. It has a human-powered gym, a rainwater toilet system, and a high-efficiency aquifer thermal energy storage system. The app that runs the building even knows every employee’s preferences, tweaking lighting and air conditioning to customize their environment. It’s also achieved a 98,4% rating from British rating’s company BREEAM – the highest ever.

  • Legion House at Liberty Place

This project, located in Sydney, Australia, is unique in that it is a heritage-listed and protected building. Thanks to a state-of-the-art NZEB remodel, it is recognized as one of the most sustainable designs in the world, achieving a 6-star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. It is a fully zero carbon building, cooled by chilled beam technology and powered by biomass gasification, which is a process that uses commercial waste paper from adjacent buildings to fuel energy generation.

Our Commercial HVAC Contractors Can Help You Reach Your Sustainability Goals


At Tri-Tech Energy, high-efficiency HVAC systems, commercial ductwork, and ventilation systems are our specialty. With over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we are able to assist our commercial and industrial clients with all aspects of their building’s HVAC system, from repairs and maintenance to developing custom heating and cooling systems for re-fitted or new buildings.


We also do commercial HVAC ductwork insulation for additional energy-efficiency. For more information on our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.tritechenergy.com/

Original content is posted on https://www.tritechenergy.com/blog/net-zero-energy-building/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Professional Boiler Services Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

-
Image
A proper heating system is essential for every commercial building, including factories and industrial sites, and having the correct  boiler system installed  and maintained by specialists is key to operational efficiency and minimal downtime. But all commercial Boiler service companies are not created equal. Levels of expertise, experience, access to specialized equipment, responsiveness, and integrity when considering repair or replace, are also critical. What to look for in your commercial boiler contractors  Commercial and industrial experience:  If you need an existing system maintained, repaired or upgraded, or a new system built from the ground up, residential boiler specialists simply won’t be able to help you – you need a partner who understands the demands of commercial heating systems. This is because scale isn’t the only factor at play – commercial systems have to work harder, have a role beyond just heating in many businesses, and often require advanced facilit
Read more

How to Find a Reliable Commercial HVAC Contractor

-
Image
A good commercial HVAC contractor is more than a company that you call when things start going wrong in your building – they’re a partner who works with you to ensure a healthy, comfortable environment for employees, clients and tenants. Here are some tips on finding a HVAC contractor that can be relied on for professional, expert service and advice. Essential paperwork:  One of the very first steps in this process is ensuring that the company has the correct permits and licensing from the state or municipality, and that they are in possession of a contract license surety bond. This ensures that the contractor is qualified and protects you against unfair dealings or if something goes wrong. It’s also important that your contractor has worker’s compensation insurance in case a worker is injured while working on your property. Don’t accept a quote over the phone:  Every building and HVAC system is unique, and there is simply no way to get an accurate grasp on what needs to be do
Read more

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Commercial HVAC Contractor

-
Image
Looking for a  commercial HVAC contractor  to maintain, repair, design or install a new HVAC system for your building? Here’s some advice to help you find the right team for the job. Don’t Make These Mistakes When Hiring a Commercial Contractor  You don’t know what you need:  Of course, your HVAC contractor should be able to do a full assessment of your system and advise you on repairs or upgrades, but it’s important that you have an informed idea of the services you are seeking. Are you making energy-efficiency a priority? Is your system making strange noises and emitting unpleasant smells? What is your budget? You don’t get multiple quotes:  Unless you have industry experience, it’s very difficult to tell when a quote is reasonable or not, which makes getting multiple quotes essential. Call in at least three contractors and have them assess the situation and see what they offer before you accept an estimate. You don’t ask for references:  The best way to find out if your
Read more