Reaching to Net Zero Energy: The Recipe to Create Zero Energy Homes in Warm Temperate Climates

Abstract

Building energy policy in many countries is firmly pointed towards a need for net zero energy homes. But given the limited range of operational energy impacts that can be directly influenced by building regulations, and the wide variation in energy use behaviours of building users, what system performance levels will be required to ensure new homes achieve that standard? This paper utilises in-home energy monitoring from a near net zero energy estate to provide the evidence of the system performance needed for all major end-uses, for homes in warm temperate climates to achieve, on average, a net zero operational energy standard. The evidence presented in this paper points to the combination of passive solar design strategies, energy efficient appliances, and active solar systems that will lead to net zero energy performance given contemporary lifestyles and the impact of the digital age.