Net Zero Energy and Zero Emission Buildings

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world confronts the challenges of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable development, the concept of net-zero energy and zero-emission buildings has become increasingly vital. These buildings are designed not only to balance their energy consumption with renewable energy production, but also to minimize or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. This topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and practical solutions in this critical field, offering a platform for interdisciplinary exploration and innovation. We invite original research articles, reviews, and case studies on the following topics: 

• Architectural and structural design: Papers focusing on innovative design approaches that enhance both energy efficiency and emission reductions. Topics may include the integration of renewable energy systems, advanced building envelopes, and smart building technologies that optimize energy use as well as minimize emissions.
• Design methodologies and technologies: Exploration of advanced design processes and technologies that contribute to achieving net-zero energy and zero-emission goals. This includes computational design, simulation tools, and interdisciplinary methods that consider aesthetic, functional, and environmental impacts.
• Energy systems and technologies: Research on energy systems that are crucial for net-zero energy and zero-emission buildings, such as renewable energy integration, advanced energy storage, and smart grid interactions. Studies on energy management systems that enhance building efficiency and reduce emissions are also welcome.
• Advanced materials and construction technologies: Investigations into materials and construction technologies that support the creation of sustainable and efficient buildings. This includes the development of innovative construction materials, thermal insulation advancements, and lifecycle analyses of building components to assess their environmental impact.
• Sustainability and environmental impact: Papers addressing the broader implications of net-zero energy and zero-emission buildings, including policy analysis, economic considerations, and social impacts.

Topics may cover urban planning, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for the widespread adoption of these building practices across different regions and climates. This Topic aims to be a comprehensive resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers dedicated to advancing the field of sustainable building design and construction. We encourage contributions that provide new insights, innovative solutions, and practical applications, supporting the transition towards a sustainable and resilient built environment.

Prof. Dr. Xiaohu Yang
Prof. Dr. Chao Shen
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	15.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Designs designs	-	3.9	2017	21.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Buildings Designs Energies Materials Sustainability

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19 pages, 10040 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design and Operation of a Novel Cross Fin in Hot-Water Production System for Buildings

by Qiang Cui, Tao Ning, Chuanqing Huang, Chunyan Wu and Junwei Su

Buildings 2025, 15(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030320 - 22 Jan 2025

Viewed by 677

Abstract

The importance of phase change heat storage (PCHS) in solar thermal applications is limited by the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) and the uneven temperature distribution during heat transfer. This study proposes to use composite fins for heat exchange in [...] Read more.

The importance of phase change heat storage (PCHS) in solar thermal applications is limited by the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) and the uneven temperature distribution during heat transfer. This study proposes to use composite fins for heat exchange in the PCHS module and integrate them into a hot-water production system (HWPS) for building heating. The effectiveness of the novel fin structure is assessed through thorough numerical simulations and experimental validation. An examination of melting fractions, temperature distribution, and flow characteristics of the molten PCMs across various fin structures indicates that increasing the lengths and quantities of the cross fins can alleviate the challenge of incomplete melting at the end of the charging process. Notably, expanding the surface area of the cross fins results in a 7.37-fold increase in the average thermal storage rate and a 781.25% enhancement in the average temperature response compared to the original design. These findings show that the new composite fin design greatly improves the heat storage performance of an HWPS, which is of great significance for building energy conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Net Zero Energy and Zero Emission Buildings)

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17 pages, 3230 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regulatory Frameworks for Transitioning to Net-Zero Energy Buildings in a Tropical Desert Climate

by Motaz Mestarehi and Osama Omar

Energies 2025, 18(2), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020367 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 740

Abstract

Domestic electricity consumption in the Kingdom of Bahrain accounts for 48% of total national electricity consumption, increasing between 1.5 and 3.5% annually. This increase is due to indoor cooling electricity accounting for up to 80% of domestic electricity consumption. The Kingdom is aiming [...] Read more.

Domestic electricity consumption in the Kingdom of Bahrain accounts for 48% of total national electricity consumption, increasing between 1.5 and 3.5% annually. This increase is due to indoor cooling electricity accounting for up to 80% of domestic electricity consumption. The Kingdom is aiming for a reduction in carbon emissions of 30% by 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Hence, reducing electricity consumption is necessary. Recently, the Kingdom’s Electricity and Water Authority has issued updated building regulations regarding the maximum thermal transmittance allowed for residential buildings. This study employed a quantitative simulation of a typical housing unit (T8) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, assessing building envelope materials and air conditioning efficacy following the updated building regulations via DesignBuilder V. 7.0.2.006 software. Additionally, this study examined the potential of building regulations to facilitate the transition to net-zero energy buildings by comparing electricity consumption with renewable energy generated from rooftop photovoltaic panels. It was determined that electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 52% by following building regulations and relying on current materials in the residential sector. Furthermore, this reduction may facilitate the Kingdom’s attainment of net-zero energy status through onsite power generation of 12,500 kWh/year. This study concluded that achieving net-zero energy status is possible by following building regulations and relying on commercially accessible construction materials; however, guidelines for energy storage or a feed-in tariff for the residential sector must be established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Net Zero Energy and Zero Emission Buildings)

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25 pages, 14877 KiB  

Open AccessTechnical Note

Open-Source Software for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Tiling for Novelty Architecture

by Alexander W. H. Chin, Koami Soulemane Hayibo and Joshua M. Pearce

Designs 2024, 8(6), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs8060118 - 10 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1356

Abstract

Novelty architecture buildings can be tiled with conventional rectangular solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with both close-packed cells or partially transparent modules, vastly increasing renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and allowing for positive energy buildings. To enable this potential, in this study, for the [...] Read more.

Novelty architecture buildings can be tiled with conventional rectangular solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with both close-packed cells or partially transparent modules, vastly increasing renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and allowing for positive energy buildings. To enable this potential, in this study, for the first time, two open-source programs were developed and integrated to provide a foundation for designing and coating real-life novelty architecture buildings and objects with solar PV modules. First, a tiling algorithm was proposed and integrated into Blender that can generate solar PV modules on the face of any 3D model, and an augmented Python version of SAM was developed to simulate the performance of the resultant irregularly shaped PV systems. The integrated open-source software was used to analyze the energy performance of seven different novelty BIPVs located across the globe. The buildings’ energy performance was compared to conventional ground-based PV systems, and the results showed that the conventional arrays generate more energy per unit power than the BIPVs. The analysis reveals that the more complex the building model geometry, the less energy the building generates; however, the novelty BIPV power and energy densities far surpass conventional ground-based PV. The real estate savings observed were substantial, reaching 170% in one case where the BIPV reached 750 m in height. The BIPVs’ energy production is optimized by orienting the building via rotation and only needs to be carried out a single time for replication anywhere globally. The results show that the energy yield of the BIPV increases as the building becomes more detailed while the total power and energy decrease, indicating the need for the careful balancing of priorities in building design. Finally, the energy simulations demonstrate the potential for net-positive energy buildings and contribute to net-zero-emission cities. The findings indicate that BIPVs are not only appropriate for conventional residential houses and commercial buildings, but also for historical building replicas or monuments in the future. Further studies are needed to investigate the structural, electrical, and socio-economic aspects of novelty-architecture BIPVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Net Zero Energy and Zero Emission Buildings)

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