Net-zero energy buildings

Abstract

Due to the fast speed of global resources depletion there have been world- widely initiated methods of reducing non-renewable resources consumption. Since even renewable resources have harmful side effects - the humanity switched its attention from new ways of producing energy to energy preservation and energy efficiency. Energy efficiency has to be increased at all stages of the energy chain, from generation to final consumption. EU initiatives are therefore focused on areas where the potential for savings is the highest, such as in buildings sector. A significant part of Energy Efficiency is constituted currently by the net-zero energy buildings. These buildings release overall less greenhouse gas to the atmosphere than similar non-ZE buildings. Subsequently by using energy more efficiently, humans can lower their energy bills, reduce their reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas, and help protect the environment.