Design and analysis of zero-energy and carbon buildings with renewable energy supply and recycled materials

Abstract

Given the notable consumption of fossil fuels, buildings prioritize their energy utilization. This paper’s aim is to explore the primary strategies in attaining zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings. The investigation employs two specialized software programs: Design Builder, which analyzes energy usage, and PV Syst, which evaluates renewable energy requirements. The study is conducted in Fort Myers, USA, and Dubai, UAE, leveraging diverse regional and climate discrepancies, and real-world data on zero-energy and carbon constructions for comparison and validation. Within the Design Builder software, the research examines four strategies, with the first serving as the realistic baseline. By implementing the second strategy, utilizing internal shading devices such as Shade Roll, a reduction of 376 kWh in Fort Myers and 591 kWh in Dubai is achieved. The third strategy encompasses the deployment of blind-type internal shading systems, resulting in reductions of 212 kWh in Fort Myers and 348 kWh in Dubai. The fourth strategy involves integrating renewable energy via photovoltaic panels, injecting 323.5 kWh in Fort Myers and 2237 kWh in Dubai into the power grid for lighting purposes. Furthermore, 3200.5 kWh and 4722 kWh of energy are respectively injected into the grid for heating in Fort Myers and Dubai. Cooling, however, necessitates additional energy from the grid, amounting to 2243.94 kWh in Fort Myers and 9211.64 kWh in Dubai. In the pursuit of zero-carbon goals, the implementation of suitable low-carbon recycled materials, in place of primary building materials, reduces carbon dioxide emissions from 79 tons to 7.315 tons in Fort Myers and 7.038 tons in Dubai. By employing appropriate materials, the zero-carbon objective is attained.