Concepts for Net Zero Energy Buildings in Refurbishment Projects
Abstract
Regarding the proposed objectives to reduce CO2- emissions significantly it is highly relevant to optimize the energy consumption in the building sector. For that purpose the development of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) which produce as much energy as they consume within a year is a promising approach. On basis of a highly energy efficient building standard it could be proved for new buildings that net zero energy concepts can be realized with today’s available techniques. From 2019 on the new EU building directive claims Net Zero Energy Buildings as an obligatory standard for new buildings. As the current rate for newly built houses in many European countries is below or about 1% the impact on the CO2 balance will be very low, even if all new buildings are realized as NZEBs. Therefore the energy optimization of the existing building stock is a core target for the future. Zero Energy Concepts have to adopted to the specific requirements and characteristics of refurbishment projects and have to be developed to an affordable solution to supply new and existing buildings.