2016 ASHRAE Annual Conference

This paper presents methodology of study of the synergetic energy/environment’s constrains relevant to the residential buildings settlement’s sustainability. Presented are results of the design of a sustainable Net Zero Energy Buildings Settlement. Implementing integrated building design building’s dynamic behavior and energy efficiency have been optimized by the BPS resulting in crucial reduction of loads of the initial designs. Further multidisciplinary engineering optimization lead to the settlement of NZEB status (HVAC system’s heat pumps using sea water, and other building’s technical systems powered exclusively by RES (solar thermal, PV, wind and biomass), and water recycling bio-aquatic water treatment are closing the village eco-sustainability.

The European Directive on the Energy Performance in Buildings (EPBD) mandates nearly-zero energy new buildings by 2020. This presentation reviews characteristics and benchmarks of NZEBs from within existing building stock. A European-developed framework for assessing residential building refurbishment is presented based on regional/national building typologies for large building portfolios. This procedure enables key experts/non-experts to ensure high-quality retrofits, check regulatory compliance, track/steer refurbishment processes and quantify energy savings. The presentation concludes with results of future EU Member State refurbishment strategies to make realistic projections of residential heating energy use and support efforts for meeting energy savings or emissions targets.

It all starts with a holistic approach from the ground up with the aim to first, reduce our home energy consumption by installing high performance building envelope, including but not limited to double glazed windows with low emissivity, better insulation that exceeds minimum building energy code, use of high efficiency appliances and HVAC equipment. And second, install solar electric (PV) and thermal systems to handle the remaining annual energy requirement. High performance building envelope combined with high efficiency appliances and equipment, and integration of solar energy systems can lead our homes to become NZEB. A case study is discussed.

To achieve zero net energy in residential dwellings, a roof mounted PV system is typically the enabling technology at the center of the energy design.  This presentation explores financing models and trends for the U.S. residential PV market.  Third-party power purchase agreements (PPAs) and lease based financing in the solar industry is less than a decade old, but they are rapidly becoming the dominant PV system delivery methods.  The PPA model faces regulatory and legislative challenges in some states.  These issues are presented and discussed with a look forward toward future developments.