Indicators for Evaluation of Energetic Performance of Net Zero Energy Buildings

Abstract

According to experts, the average temperature of the planet has increased at an unprecedented and alarmingly high rate over the last fifty (50) years. Carbon emissions have been found to be a major catalyst for climate change and the energy sector one of the highest emitters globally. Thus any significant reduction in energy related emissions would have a significant impact on global carbon emissions and consequently global warming. UN-Habitat estimates that approximately 56% of energy produced in most African nations is consumed in buildings. There is a need for energy efficiency and possibly conservation in buildings since they represent the single largest consumer of energy on the continent. Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), a possible solution for reducing the energy footprint of buildings, represents the evolution of buildings in the near future. The Zero energy concept has a major impact on the design and construction of future buildings. This paper focuses on the review and development of existing Load Match Indicators for zero energy buildings. Four indicators are provided and discussed (i.e. self-consumption, self-production, loss of load probability, and coverage rate indicators). For the purpose of this paper, Predis-MHI (a platform of G2ELab) was used as a case study. Data was collected from the platform’s living lab and was used in the calculation and evaluation of these indicators. The results indicate the relevance of each indicator in evaluating the energetic performance of a building and also highlight the practical difficulties faced in evaluating the platform.