Whole Building to Zero Net Energy

Abstract

Energy in buildings has long focused on the thermal envelope and HVAC, mainly heating systems, because these have been the major energy uses. However, with the growth of appliances and equipment, including air conditioning, greater attention has been recently given to electricity, because of its increasing proportion of primary energy among end uses in buildings. Figure 6.3 showed that building space and water heating amount to one-third of building primary energy; electricity use for cooling, refrigeration, electronics, and other appliances constitutes two-thirds. This fact has led to a more comprehensive approach to building energy, what is called whole building energy.