PartagerZero-energy buildings: closer than you might think
The US Department of Energy lists only eight zero energy buildings in the US in its high-performance building database. Zero-energy building is nevertheless expected to increase dramatically in the construction industry over the next few decades as a set of regulations around the world come into effect.
The US Department of Energy lists only eight zero energy buildings in the US in its high-performance building database. A number of developers have started building zero-energy developments around the US.
In Europe, the Passivhaus standard has been used to build over 40 000 residential and commercial buildings, and the city of Frankfurt, requires it in construction of new public buildings. However, these represent only a small fraction of the total building stock.
Zero-energy building is nevertheless expected to increase dramatically in the construction industry over the next few decades as a set of regulations around the world come into effect.
As soon as 2016, the UK will require zero-carbon construction for all residential buildings. Newly constructed dwellings will need to achieve deep levels of energy efficiency (45-60% higher than a comparable building built in 2006).
Major plans for zero-energy buildings are underway throughout the European Union, too: the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will require all new commercial and residential buildings to achieve “nearly zero energy” design for public buildings starting in 2019 and all new building construction in 2021. If construction activity in the EU rebounds to or near pre-recession levels, this will become a more than USD 1 trillion market.
Similar legislation targeting specific sectors has been proposed around the world, including Japan and the states of California and Massachusetts.
In Europe, the Passivhaus standard has been used to build over 40 000 residential and commercial buildings, and the city of Frankfurt, requires it in construction of new public buildings. However, these represent only a small fraction of the total building stock.
Zero-energy building is nevertheless expected to increase dramatically in the construction industry over the next few decades as a set of regulations around the world come into effect.
As soon as 2016, the UK will require zero-carbon construction for all residential buildings. Newly constructed dwellings will need to achieve deep levels of energy efficiency (45-60% higher than a comparable building built in 2006).
Major plans for zero-energy buildings are underway throughout the European Union, too: the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will require all new commercial and residential buildings to achieve “nearly zero energy” design for public buildings starting in 2019 and all new building construction in 2021. If construction activity in the EU rebounds to or near pre-recession levels, this will become a more than USD 1 trillion market.
Similar legislation targeting specific sectors has been proposed around the world, including Japan and the states of California and Massachusetts.