The Feasibility Study of Net Zero Energy Building for Future Energy Development

The concept of net zero energy building has attracted many attentions and controversies since it was put forward. Many scholars have analyzed its configuration, technology, modeling approach and feasibility of application. However, there are still few studies focus on the application of net zero buildings considering future energy development. Based on the current energy situation and the development trend of energy technology, this paper analyzed the technical feasibility of net zero energy building in the hot summer and warm winter climate zone in China through case studies of two demo projects. Simulation and real-site measurement are used to obtain energy consumption data of the case buildings. The results show that the realization of net zero energy building should not only depend on the traditional energy-saving technologies, but should also depend on the transformation of the energy system and the combination of information technologies. The achievement of net zero energy building should not be conducted in an individual building, but should be conducted in scale of a whole urban energy system. In summary, net zero energy buildings are one of opportunities for the construction industry to undertake country-wide energy revolution and further integration with information technology.