Perspective for waste upcycling-driven zero energy buildings

Abstract

This study proposes the novel concept of waste upcycling-driven zero energy building (W-ZEB). W-ZEB aims to accelerate the development of zero-energy buildings by incorporating waste upcycling processes (e.g., waste-to-energy (WtE), insulation material recovery, and biochar used in green roofs), ultimately advancing towards plus-energy building. W-ZEB includes three approaches: (1) generating additional energy through WtE, (2) enhancing building energy efficiency by utilizing advanced building materials recovered from waste, and (3) maintaining all elements and assets of W-ZEB using earnings obtained or saved from waste upcycling and management. To implement W-ZEB effectively, a building energy and waste management system (BEWMS) is suggested to coordinate and optimize energy demand, waste generation, and utilization, contributing to a net zero energy status and zero solid waste to landfills throughout building life cycle. Practical insights and research directions for unlocking the untapped potential of waste upcycling strategies to achieve zero-energy buildings are also provided.