Comprehensive Analysis of Net Zero Energy Building Implementation

This report synthesizes several articles examining the challenges and strategies associated with Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). The articles explore various aspects, including the challenges of designing NZEBs in Southern Europe, cost-effective energy retrofitting strategies, governmental perspectives on NZEB adoption in India, and life cycle cost analyses of NZEBs. The research highlights technological and societal barriers, the importance of renewable energy, and the significance of governmental support and strategic niche management. The studies employ qualitative and quantitative methodologies, case studies, and life cycle cost analyses to provide insights into optimizing energy efficiency, reducing energy demands, and transitioning from net energy to zero energy buildings. Key considerations include the integration of renewable energy technologies, the importance of considering the building owner's perspective, and the role of government in fostering NZEB adoption through niche formation. The reports offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field of sustainable building design and energy efficiency.

Article summary
In this article, the authors intend to present an overview of some of the challenges
which are experienced in building designs which are nearly zero-energy located in southern
Europe. The authors adopt cross qualitative and quantitative methodology (comparative-
study), in which a comparison of the technical and social barriers associated with the
implementation of the nearly zero-energy buildings. The authors goes ahead to modify this
strategy by application of mechanical ventilation as well as gradual scaling of the ventilate
rate. Since the study mostly based on interviewing of the researcher, the collection of the
information provided to be a challenge to the authors. The authors provide a comprehensive
explanation of the challenges experienced in during the implementation, and gives
recommendations on what should be done so that the gaps are experienced are filled
Evaluation/ Relevance
The research has contributed positively to my understanding that: achieving a net zero
energy building is a good initiative. However, it requires various technological skills in order
to achieve a qualitative outcome. Further, the concept of challenges emanating from the
implementation of these buildings. In addition to the descriptive approach, the author goes
ahead to provide alternatives towards addressing the challenges which are associated with the
nearly zero-energy buildings. This positively contributes to the validation and usefulness of
the work.
At the time of publication, the document seems to be easily comprehendible, as it
contained words, which are familiar in regards to a technical career.
However, further research will require more definition of terms to makes it more
comprehensive. From the study, other researchers can find this work of great importance,
especially those who are planning to undertake on the best strategies of implementing a
nearly zero energy building.

Reference
[1] Attia S, Eleftheriou P, Xeni F, Morlot R, Ménézo C, Kostopoulos V et al. Overview and
future challenges of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) design in Southern Europe. Energy
and Buildings. 2017;155:439-458.

Article summary
The authors of this article intend to provide a cost effective technique for energy
retrofitting strategy. In essence, the author's adopts a qualitative methodology, by researching
the cost effective optimisation of retrofitting in structures and offers detailed information on
the optimisation techniques. Some of the notable challenges which are experienced include
cost-effectiveness, capital investment, as well as the simulation tools to be used. The authors
provide a comprehensive explanation of the challenges experienced during the
implementation, and gives recommendations on what should be done so that the gaps are
experienced are filled
Evaluation/ Relevance
The research has contributed positively to my understanding that: achieving retrofit
optimisation requires various technological skills in order to achieve a qualitative outcome.
Further, the concept of challenges emanating from the implementation of these buildings is
oriented towards the societal, technical and organisational dynamics. The authors goes ahead
to provide alternatives towards addressing the challenges which are associated with the nearly
zero-energy buildings. This positively contributes to the validation and usefulness of the
work. The authors utilizes simple technical terms which are easy to understand. However,
further research will require more definition of terms to makes it more comprehensive. From
the study, other researchers can find this work of great importance, especially those who are
planning to undertake on the best strategies of implementing optimised retrofit energy
building solutions.
Reference
[2] Messervey T, Calderoni M, Font A, Borras M, Sterling R, Martin D et al. Introducing
GEOFIT: Cost-Effective Enhanced Geothermal Systems for Energy Efficient Building
Retrofitting. Proceedings. 2018;2(15):557.

Summary of articles
The authors intend to offer an assessment to the governments perspective on the
adoption of uptake of NZEBs through niche formation in India. The authors adopt a case
study in order to provide a solution to the research question, whereby they conducted an
interview and using the strategic Niche Management (SNM) and Governance Assessment
Tool (GAT) to offer an assessment of the same. The authors concluded that the government
only supports the initiative on the contexts of intensity, flexibility and moderate extent. Of
great note by the authors is the actor-network formation, which significantly influences
strategic niche management, other elements of governance.
Evaluation
The research has greatly contributed to my understanding of some of the aspects
which are considered by the government before adopting a nearly zero energy building. For
instance: it is essential to consider and incorporate the aspects of the intensity, flexibility and
moderate extent while providing an alternative strategy to be adopted. At the time of
publication, the document seems to be easily comprehendible, as it contained words, which
are familiar in regards to a technical career. However, further research will require more
definition of terms to make it more comprehensive. From the study, other researchers can
find this work of great importance especially those who are planning to undertake proposal to
the on the implementations of net zero energy buildings.
Reference
[3] Jain M, Hoppe T, Bressers H. A Governance Perspective on Net Zero Energy
Building Niche Development in India: The Case of New Delhi. Energies.
2017;10(8):1144.

Article Summary
This article by Marszal tries to analyze some of the efficient energy strategies that can be
used in the construction industry. The author provides great insight into the need to use
renewable energy technologies. During the study, the author used the LCC method for data
analysis. He calculated all the future energy costs and discounted them to their present value
equivalent.
Also, the author explains some of the importance of renewable energy to the environment.
First, he describes the environmental impact that is caused by non-renewable energy sources
such as the use of coal, petroleum, among others. In the past, there have been concerns raised
by an environmental scientist on the contribution of non-renewable energy sources towards
climate change. The article describes how coal plant leads to increased emission of
greenhouse gases, which compromises on the safety of nature. Therefore, the article further
highlights some of the three levels of energy demands as well as alternative energy supply
system. These include the photovoltaic panels installed with either solar thermal collectors,
ground source heat pump and lastly those installed with district heating grid. The study which
was conducted in Denmark also suggests that for us to achieve a cost effective Net ZEB, we
need to reduce the energy use to a minimum level.
Evaluation
The author exhaust-fully illustrates how it is essential to make the newly built
environment safe from energy pollutants as witnessed by the non-renewable energy sources.
In the coming years, the article will be in a better position to illustrate the construction
properties that mostly influences energy demands. Also, it will give a clear guide on how to
achieve clean energy provision.

Reference
[4] Marszal A, Heidelberg P. Life cycle cost analysis of a multi-storey residential Net Zero
Energy Building in Denmark. Energy. 2011;36(9):5600-5609.

Article summary
The author introduces his article by defining the term net energy as used within the built
environment. The authors' intentions are to analyze the balance between the energy used by
constructed buildings alongside its occupant's Vis a vie the amount of energy produced by
renewable energy sources. Another notable definition by the authors is zero energy buildings.
Having understood the common terminologies, the article goes ahead to analyze the net
energy ratio as a factor necessary within the building designs.
The article also offers a more in-depth look into the building industry and their continued
advancements towards achieving zero energy or clean energy production. More importantly,
the articles present a comparative analysis of the relevance of life cycle relevance, building
designs, HVAC and renewable energy systems.
Also, the authors acknowledged some of the limitations present in their LC ZEB calculation
methods. For instance, the accuracy and applicability of their methodology can only be
effective if there is reliable data on the life cycle of building products.
Evaluation
I think that the article offers a good insight into the transition from net energy to zero
energy buildings. Moreover, it provides detailed definitions and illustrations of cycle zero
energy and buildings. Notably, the article has the potential to inform the future building
companies on certification and energy policy as proposed by the LC-ZEB. Further, the article
can offer clear visual signs to some of the environmental challenges we face globally.
Reference

[5] Hernandez P, Kenny P. From net energy to zero energy buildings: Defining life cycle zero
energy buildings (LC-ZEB). Energy and Buildings. 2010;42(6):815-821.

References
[1] Attia S, Eleftheriou P, Xeni F, Morlot R, Ménézo C, Kostopoulos V et al. Overview and
future challenges of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) design in Southern Europe. Energy
and Buildings. 2017;155:439-458.
[2] Messervey T, Calderoni M, Font A, Borras M, Sterling R, Martin D et al. Introducing
GEOFIT: Cost-Effective Enhanced Geothermal Systems for Energy Efficient Building
Retrofitting. Proceedings. 2018;2(15):557.
[3] Jain M, Hoppe T, Bressers H. A Governance Perspective on Net Zero Energy Building
Niche Development in India: The Case of New Delhi. Energies. 2017;10(8):1144.
[4] Marszal A, Heidelberg P. Life cycle cost analysis of a multi-storey residential Net Zero
Energy Building in Denmark. Energy. 2011;36(9):5600-5609.
[5] Hernandez P, Kenny P. From net energy to zero energy buildings: Defining life cycle zero
energy buildings (LC-ZEB). Energy and Buildings. 2010;42(6):815-821.