Development of a Sustainable Net Zero Energy Home Design

This report investigates the development of a sustainable home using net-zero energy principles, comparing traditional and innovative construction methods. It focuses on the use of low-carbon materials, renewable energy sources, and energy management techniques to minimize carbon emissions. The report details a feasibility study comparing two houses in Melbourne, one built with traditional methods (YH) and another with sustainable practices (RH). Using HOMER software and EnergyPlus, the study analyzes carbon emissions, financial implications, and energy savings over a 40-year lifecycle. The findings highlight the potential of net-zero energy buildings and recommend strategies for improving sustainable construction practices, including material selection, waste reduction, and renewable energy integration. The report concludes by discussing the feasibility and challenges of implementing net-zero energy homes and suggests ways to overcome these obstacles.

Sustainability in Home Design 1
DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE HOME USING NET ZERO ENERGY
By (Name)
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Professor’s name
University name
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Date of submission
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Sustainability in Home Design 2
Abstract
The report’s central objective is to address the recent methods of technology applied in the
process of constructing of the zero net energy buildings. The report takes note of new
materials of construction, energy consumption levels, innovative procedures and technology,
renewable energies, reuse and recycling of materials and the management systems in place.
Through a feasibility test carried out the report gives the differences that arises in two
different buildings that are constructed differently but in the same locality and both having a
life cycle of 40 years. Two houses in Melbourne whose layout structure are the same but one
was built using new construction materials and innovative methods of construction, the house
was named RH. The other house coded as YH is constructed using traditional procedures
with traditional materials. The feasibility process focused on use of zero carbon energy
elements used to build the two houses after which a comparison on their carbon emission is
determined.
HOMER software and Energy plus helped when analyzing the conditions of the two
houses as the methodology put in use was by running the designs of the two houses in the
software. The results obtained after the analysis process addressed the financial conditions
of the two houses, tangible use of carbon energy and the level saving the embodied energy.
Lastly the report ended by providing the discoveries and later recommended better ways
and methods that can be employed to improve the construction of houses with the aim of
achieving buildings with net zero energy emission.
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Sustainability in Home Design 3
Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................1
Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
2.1 Review low/zero carbon design technology......................................................................5
Selection of low carbon construction materials......................................................................5
Innovative Construction Process............................................................................................8
Renewable Energy................................................................................................................14
2.2 YH Details.........................................................................................................................20
YH detail construction material............................................................................................21
Detail Construction Process for YH.....................................................................................22
Details of YH heating/cooling, hot water, and appliances...................................................23
2.3 RH Details.........................................................................................................................24
Selection of construction materials.......................................................................................24
Your Selection of manufacturing constituents for RH that need less
replacement/maintenance over their service life..................................................................27
Your selection of construction process that has fewer carbon emissions for RH.................29
Your approach to reuse and recycle construction materials for RH.....................................29
Your Energy management design to reduce energy consumption for heating/cooling........30
Your energy management design to reduce energy consumption for hot water, and
Appliances............................................................................................................................31
Your selection of on-site renewable energy.........................................................................32
2.4 Estimating the annual and total carbon emission over the service life of YH and RH
..................................................................................................................................................35
Estimation of embodied carbon emission of YH and RH Construction Material................35
Estimation of carbon emission related to the construction of YH and RH...........................37
Estimation of carbon emission related to maintenance........................................................38
Estimation of carbon emission from wastes of your rebuilt/redesigned home.....................40
Estimation of operating carbon emission in relation to the daily usage for hot water, and all
appliances of YH and RH.....................................................................................................41
Estimation of operating carbon emission in relation to the daily usage for heating and
cooling of YH and RH..........................................................................................................43
2.5 Use HOMER to design on-site renewable energy supply to achieve ‘net-zero-
emission’ over the service life of RH (e.g. 40 years)............................................................46
Released Carbon Dioxide Benefits.......................................................................................61
2.6 Estimate cost and benefit (e.g. energy saving) of RH in comparison with YH...........62
2.7 Discuss the feasibility and challenges of implementing RH, and the Ways to
overcome the challenges........................................................................................................63
References...............................................................................................................................65
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Introduction
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Sustainability in Home Design 5
The built environment has a huge impact on the environment and people’s lives. Residential
developments use averagely 45% of the energy produced on planet earth (Khan et al. 2004.
P.26). Energy is mainly nonrenewable and a major pollutant of the environment thus it
largely contributes to climate change and air pollution on earth. Stakeholders in the built
environment are now taking keen interest on how to mitigate the effects of the built
environment by building environmentally friendly buildings. Among the measures being take
includes:
 Legislative measures to govern the construction industry
 Review of the building codes
Climate change experienced as a result of global warming are the main impacts of pollution
and they have led to catastrophic disasters such as floods, droughts and a rise in sea levels
(Balzani &Armaroli, 2010)
The state of California has taken steps to ensure that it achieves net zero certified buildings
by the year 2030. It is has formulated a detailed goal and vision for its built environments
with the residential buildings are required to meet the sustainability demands of a net zero
energy home by the year 2030 (Balzani &Armaroli, 2010) Commercial buildings should also
be net zero certified by the year 2020 (Van 2008, p.565). California’s vision is aligned to the
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that requires complete elimination in the
usage of fossil fuel in upcoming federal developments by 2030 (Van 2008, p.568) and the
contactors are already working towards the achievement of the net zero certified building
goal
A net zero certified building is one, which has reduced its energy requirements by optimizing
efficiency in energy utilization as per research by energy department in America. This is
achieved by balancing energy requirements supplied using renewable energy (Borenstein,
2008) proper and comprehensive study of the site and good planning, keen adherence to the
regulations to achieve minimum energy consumption and installation of extra energy
producing systems in the buildings
The need to reduce the causes of climate change and have an economy run on
environmentally friendly activities (Borenstein, 2008) led to the construction of Net zero
homes in the 2000s. The government of America completed the development of a research
facility in Colorado and achieved net zero emissions threshold by changing the design during
construction.
Among the policies affected in the process include:
 Incorporation of day lighting
 Natural ventilation of the spaces
 Provision of extra energy sources for example 1.6MW of photovoltaic power through
an agreement to purchase power. (Construction Limited Company, 2010).
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An efficient and energy conserving data center was also incorporated in the building. Another
notable building that has achieved the net zero status is the Adam Joseph Lewis located in
Oberlin University in united states(Dixit, et al., 2010) built for the sole purpose of
environmental research and study.
Owing to the huge impact of the built environment to the planet caused through carbon
emissions from buildings, it is important that professionals and stakeholders in the built
environment to invent technologies that reduce carbon emissions to the environment as well
as recommend and use low carbon energy materials that have shown effectiveness in
reducing climatic change. (Dixit, et al., 2010)
This report seeks to show the impact of the built environment on climatic change by
comparing two buildings, the materials used and the resultant embodied carbon energy as
well as the cost saved if renewable sources of energy are used.
In conclusion this report will highlight the construction of a net zero energy building citing
the possibilities and the hiccups experienced in the implementation.
2.1 Review low/zero carbon design technology
Selection of low carbon construction materials
The most effective way of achieving net zero emission in buildings is by using material
with low embodied carbon. (Goswami, 2004). Embodied carbon refers to the amount of
carbon gases released to the environment through the entire production process of a specific
construction material. These carbon gases include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Embodied carbon is checked in the life cycle assessment test (Ameli & Brandt, 2015) and
presented as either a single indicator or a core environmental indicator. Life cycle
assessment method assesses the environmental impact caused by the embodied carbon in
material used in a development.
Below is a list showing embodied carbon sources in buildings and the respective percentage
of embodied carbon energy they contribute.
.
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Knowledge of the carbon emissions by each material professional are able to make informed
decisions as pertains to material selection for construction
From study of the table of embodied energy contained in materials above steel is better suited
for construction because it can be recycled and reused giving it a lower carbon content
compared to concrete and a resulting lower carbon emission (Hui, 2010).
Both still have high carbon content and are critical for construction works. Steel structures
possess another advantage of being lighter compared to concrete structures. Carbon energy in
concrete is reduced by use of precast concrete for suspended floors or use of thinner slabs that
studies indicate have lower carbon content. Precast concrete production is controlled and this
results in low carbon content. Extensive researches and studies have led to invention of
alternative construction materials with lesser carbon content. They include: blended cement,
insulated concrete forms, fly ash blocks, rammed earth walls, autoclaved aerated
concrete, recycled metal etc.
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Innovative Construction Process
This section reviews techniques of structuring and use of materials in the construction
process for overall reduction in embodied carbon. Construction is divided into 3 phases
namely: planning, supply of materials to site and building or erection of structure
Method of construction and the process plays a big part in reducing or eliminating carbon
emissions.in this implementation stage lack of experience or education by human resource on
site can pose significant challenges in the achievement of low carbon discharges due to
factors such as wastage of materials. Less costly methods that lower personified carbon are
needed there in. The method should also lower the quantity of resources used, reduce rates of
wastage by reducing the dependence on tactics of energy processing and provide a good
image to the company involved in the construction.
The carbon emissions are eliminated as follows in each phase:
Design phase- the professional should design for lowest usage of material through compact
structural form and correct use of space. This ensures more efficiency of the building and
reduces personified carbon by 5%.Exemplified carbon in the construction process can be
reduced up to 20% by altering the structural element requirements ;such as designs of the
roof (Van, 2008, p.564). The positioning of the plan on site also influences the energy
consumption levels as well as the use of viable energy. Orientation of openings like windows
should be in a direction that allows flow of natural light and solar energy. Landscaped lawns
and well situated gardens also help cool and beautify viewpoints of the building resulting to
lower exemplified carbon. Living quarters and social nodes of the building should be oriented
to the North to ensure well lit living spaces during winter. The bedrooms and other private
areas should be oriented towards the south to ensure natural cooling in summer
Construction of the structure- in erection of structures on site embodied carbon emissions can
be reduced by building off site. Off-site building is especially beneficial in steel, timber
structures and molded concrete panels. Due to efficiency in manufacturing and the correct
and accurate assembly of materials on site wastage is highly minimized and thus a 10%
reduction in emission of carbon is achieved on site (Bornstein, 2008).
Carbon emanations can also be reduced by generation of a waste regulation protocol in the
process of manufacturing. The construction system can also be optimized by optimizing
material usage and minimizing wastage of materials.
Selection of in site materials also aides in achieving the desired goal. Onsite materials should
if possible be locally obtained, recyclable or reusable and also use minimal transport to
minimize on the use of fossil fuels in transportation.
Structure decarburization in implementation phase can be done use of certain policies on site
including:
 Thermal enactment index improvement
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Sustainability in Home Design 9
 Reduction of mains electricity demand – achieved through power distribution in the
construction area and use of a smart access regulation system (Abrahamse et al. 2005,
P. 280) for occupant interaction and structure of management.
 Use of more efficient electrical appliances and services and replacement of existing
ineffective appliances.’
 Replacement of gas machines with highly efficient electric machines
 Use of mains power from renewable energy sources for example solar panels and
wind turbines (Goswami, 2004).
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy is simply described as the energy that is obtained from other resources
other than the artificial resources and the energy generated and the energy is naturally
replenished. Energy from undeletable sources comes from solar, wind and water. This kind of
energy can be acquired from these sources by use of sophisticated technologies. Wind
energy, geothermal energy, municipal solid waste, solar energy and biomass are the broadly
utilized energy.
Solar energy
In a second, the sun produces more than six billion nuclear plants in a year. Apart from
nuclear and geothermal energy, solar energy cannot be ignored in the current world as it is
among the leading sources of energy. Solar energy is generated by the help of a solar panel
which is made up of individual cells which have the ability to transform solar energy to
electrical energy. To make it efficient the panels are strengthened by the help of transparent
pieces of glass. The panels can further be developed into various sizes and shapes basing on
the amount of energy intended to be generated.
The developed thermal system can be utilized to heat structures that are made of extended
edges of glass to increase the solar absorption from the sun. after the heat from the sun is
absorbed, it will be stored, assembled and distributed by the Trombe walls, tile floor and
stones. Currently, some experts are trying to mix the past mentioned frameworks to create a
Thermal and an improved solar energy generating system which produces both energy and at
the same time heats up the atmosphere(Steg, 2008).. An improved system can generate thrice
as much power compared to the traditional Photovoltaic systems. The systems can maximally
use energy and it will be of importance if introduced in homes and various commercial
structrures.
The energy produced from the hybrid sytem could used in heated water systems. In this
system the receiver could be inserted to retain and as well as transmit the heat of the sun to
the water. The heated water is then stored in the tank until when they are demanded. As
Martchek (2000) asserts, the mechanism does not only help to save energy but also supplies
the premises with water. Apart from reducing the levels on energy used and comsumed the
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Sustainability in Home Design 10
system could further the be put to use as a cooling agent.To achieve this , the sun warms the
contact point of the collector from which heat is driven from the gatherer to the air thermal
layer. The fan at this point will draw the limited layer through the collector openings before
heat escape which occur as a result of transmission.
Solar energy can further be utilized in appliances that need heat prone to frost. In this system,
the liquid is passed in the tube . the tubes ability to transfer energy through fluids from the
hybrid solar thermal system play the role of preventing water from freezing the tube water.
One of the source that uses the zero epitomized as well as less energy is rainwater. Although
rainwater is not considered as a reliable energy source, it is recorgnised as a unartificial
source. The introduction of the receiver system, distribution tubes and tanks enables
harvesting of water obtained from rain which can be utilized in farming, washing machines,
as well as air conditioning water (Martchek, 2000). The rainwater harvesting system can be
easily installed and are of importance in the training areas.
Wind energy
Wind energy is one of the energy source that is productive, deployable and adaptable source
of renewable energy techniques. This kind of pwer is produced using wind mill combined
with wind turbibnes and other machinery. The turbines can be developed into various sizes in
accordance to the requirements of people which makes it a favourable energy source
(Anderson and Shiers, 2009). The ability of being applied in windy areas remains a challenge
to wind energy source as much as it can produce adequate energy that can be utilized in
residential buildings. It also saves cost as well as energy use.
Another energy source that can be utilized in building and development is the energy that is
generated from the heat obtained naturally from the earth.. The geothermal heat pumps uses
the cstable earth temperature as a medium in energy transfer (Anderson and Shiers, 2009).
The energy that can be produced from geothermal can be utilized in heating, cooling as well
as warming water. The systems is comprised of horizontal, vertical, lake and open-loop
systems. The system is also made up of heat pump, air delivery systems and the heat
exchanger. The systems are unpredictable in on-site loop location but can be introduced on
the foundation.
Recycle and reuse
Anderson and Shiers (2009) assert that demolishing a building generate more than 200 tons
of material waste. it is of significance to integrate a better approach in both demolishing and
renovating so that individuals can save money, energy, pollution as well as reduce the
embodied carbon.Balzani and Armaroli (2010) estimate that the industry manadate to come
up with buildings generate approximately more than 40 per cent of waste and the menace
needs to be addressed amicably. In waste management the three major Rs which are reducing,
reusing and Recycling are regarded as an important step to save water, oil, minerals, raw
materials as well as soil in the construction industry. The processes of reuse and recycling can
minimize as well as manage waste in different number of ways.
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First and foremost, one of the ways of managing waste is avoiding. Avoiding makes people
to isolate hard waste in a way that counteracts the loss that is produced by wind and water.
This kind of waste management is important for concrete and sand which are precious
materials in the construction industry (Balzani and Armaroli, 2010). Pre-assembled parts
utilization is another way of avoiding waste. additionally, discarding litter in a secure area or
three-sided litter equipment to minize littering is also one of the method of keeping a distance
from waste.
Group wet weather areas together to reduce plumbing materials number is one of the
approaches that can be utilized to minimize waste developments. The requirement for major
attractions ought to be minimized in future through introducing some designs that allow
changes in the way utilized in homes. Long lasting materials such as steel and bricks ought to
be used to reduce material repairs and replacements for more than 50 years.
The most successful method that have been used in managing waste is reuse. Building, boxes,
beds and system reuse save energy as well as cost. A strategic location can be selected to cut
as well as store off-cuts making short materials useful. The building completely utilizes
reuse of materials when it is demolished in the reverse order of construction. Besides, wastes
and materials recycling through reuse is imperative in keeping up sustainability. In
construction, this can be attained by remodelling the waste products to come up with new
ones that could be utilized in other means. The weatherboards, frames and timber from floors
as well as skirting board can be utilized in making furniture (Khan et al. 2004. P.23). The
carpets in a better form can also be reused. This can be achieved when they can be
remodelled to create aonother carpet is made from materials that were initially not part of the
original product. Utilization of every peace that is considered as left over the construction
process is essential for instance collection of and concrete after the whole process and
separating them will lead to reusing of the same and thus aving on the cost of acquring new
raw material.. According to Balzani and Armaroli (2010), aluminium is another useful
material that need to be recycled. This is because it can be recycled without value loss and 5
per cent of energy is needed to make new aluminium.
Apart from aluminium, aluminium is another useful material in the construction industry and
it is regarded as one of the materials that could easily be remodelled in the world. Facades,
structural applications and divider cladding can be recycled fully to form other products. On
the other hand, the glasses used in construction are also important but they ought to be
isolated from the different glass types. They should be recycled by cutting them and using
them for the purposes meant for concrete aggregates. Plasterboards made from gypsum
should be remodelled or treated since they generate harmful hydrogen sulfide that smells
badly and could be harmful to human beings.(Borenstein, 2008). In this respect, plastics can
also be recycled through the process of granulating or changed into new plastic items. plastics
can also be reused because when allowed in the environment, they tend to harm the
ecosystem. The tiles and blocks can be prevented from damage to be reused later. Crushed
tiles and blocks can be used as aggregates, backfill and gravel. Dixit et al. (2010) stipulates
that treat should be maximumly used when building. The waste products should be separated
in several litter traps to reduce recycling and tipping fee. As much as reuse and recycling is
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Sustainability in Home Design 12
important in managing waste, it is hard to recycle wastes in some cases. Individuals should
integrate recycling as well as reusing in managing construction wastes toward low embodied
carbon.
2.2 YH Details
The model sample for this analysis is model 6. The design located in Melbourne town in
Hawthorn. The house floor plan is as shown above accommodating a family room,
bedroom 1 and 2, living/dining, rumpus, bath and a garage. The house plan covers an area
of 189.03m2.
Isometric Views
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