Zero Energy Building Concept

Action towards energy saving

In this fast moving competitive world, “energy” plays a major role due to the limitation of availability and the cost of utilization. As people try to grab the maximum portion of energy available, no doubt that the globe will further suffer from this energy crisis. Before the problem goes worse, it’s better to take necessary and prompt actions to at least mitigate the energy crisis.

In most of the countries throughout the world, buildings are responsible for more than 40% of energy use. As it is very much important to reduce the energy usage and conserve energy, it’s better to pay attention towards the concept of zero energy building. Although zero energy building concept is not a novel idea, implementation of the concept in a practical environment is new to a country like Sri Lanka.

Zero energy building concepts

Zero energy building has been defined in many ways. But the gist is that the net energy consumption and carbon emission should be zero . In a simpler explanation, building produces sufficient energy to feed its energy need. Zero energy buildings can meet all their energy requirements from low cost, locally available, non polluting renewable energy sources. The two major sectors of energy consuming buildings are domestic and industrial. Thus,it’s essential to consider both types of buildings with respect to the zero energy building concept. 

Zero energy concept for industrial buildings 

As the phenomenon of global warming strikes alarms gradually, putting the blue planet in danger, measures are mandatory to dampen the negative effects of it.Commercial buildings have been identified as a major contributor in increasing global warming. Increasing energy efficiency and on site power generation in buildings can reduce the negative impact on the environment. It is worthwhile spending a fraction out of huge profits generated to make the building less energy intensive. 

Domestic approach

This concept is not a far fetched dream to houses. Though it is difficult to convert existing houses into this form, newly constructed houses can be planned well in advance to ameliorate energy efficiency. Necessary guidance may be needed by the architects to make their designs energy efficient, having zero energy houses as the ultimate goal.

A deeper look 

Realization of “Zero energy building” concept is a multi folded exercise and  main components comprise of  on-site energy generation, indoor lighting, sun control and shading devices,natural ventilation  and water conservation. Further, “ Zero energy building” concept presents numerous advantages to its users like reducing the cost of living, isolating the building from future energy price increases, improvements in reliability and the increment in the value of the building parallelly to the increase in energy costs.

Though the story sound fairy, implementation encounters many complexities. All of the above mentioned components and inherited benefits will be discussed extensively in the next couple of episodes of this article. 

Article By:

Tharangi Gunarathna

Muditha Karunathilake

Posted in: Sustainable Energy and Policy