An updated review on net-zero energy and water buildings: Design and operation

Abstract

Recently, net-zero buildings (NZBs) have specially attracted the attention of researchers due to their high performance in saving energy and reducing environmental impacts. A zero energy building (ZEB) and zero water building (ZWB) are nearly neutral buildings with very high energy and water performance that can greatly reduce the energy and water usage and consequently mitigate carbon emissions. Such system is achievable through balancing energy needs supplied by solar or other renewable energy sources. However, so far, no precise method for designing, operating, and controlling this type of building has been provided to achieve net ZEB and net ZWB goal. NZB is significantly effective in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, total energy and water consumption, and utilization cost for building owners. The main purpose of this chapter is to examine various existing net ZEBs and net NZWBs frameworks, assess the progress and implementations of the NZEB and NZWB, review development policies for design and operation worldwide, interrelationship among net ZEB and net ZWB, as well as study areas that have potential for developing net ZEBs and net ZWBs.