Net-Zero and Positive Energy Communities: Best Practice Guidance Based on the ZERO-PLUS Project Experience

This book provides a methodology for designing, constructing, monitoring, optimizing, and post-occupancy evaluating net-zero and positive-energy communities based on the experiences gained in the EU Horizon 2020 ZERO-PLUS project. It showcases four case studies in different geo-climatic regions, demonstrating how a holistic and interactive approach to design and construction can achieve high sustainability standards at affordable costs. The book offers practical guidance, a survey of the state-of-the-art, and innovative renewable energy technologies, and discusses future trends for developing more liveable, accessible, and sustainable communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive methodology for designing, constructing, monitoring, optimizing, and evaluating net-zero and positive-energy communities based on the experiences gained from the EU Horizon 2020 ZERO-PLUS project. It provides practical insights for the energy and construction sectors, appealing to students, engineers, architects, developers, and professionals involved in high-performance architecture and sustainable communities.

The ZERO-PLUS project, led by a consortium of 32 partners from eight countries, including academic institutions, technology providers, architects, and construction companies, aimed to create four diverse communities across different geographies, construction practices, and cultural backgrounds in Cyprus, Italy, France, and the UK. These communities were designed, optimized, constructed, monitored, occupied by tenants, post-occupancy evaluated, and resolved through a continuous collaboration and data acquisition system.

This book presents these case studies, showcasing how the project achieved its targets of reducing electricity consumption below 20 kWh/m2/year, increasing electricity production from renewable energy systems to over 50 kWh/m2/year, and achieving these goals at lower costs compared to current zero-energy buildings. These cases demonstrate the effectiveness of a holistic and interactive approach to design and construction in achieving high sustainability standards for communities.

Key features of the book include:

Practical guidance derived from interdisciplinary, international, and remote cooperation between experts from academia and industry across the construction sector.

A comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art in net-zero and positive-energy communities.

Case studies highlighting successful implementations and lessons learned from the ZERO-PLUS project.

Insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with net-zero and positive-energy communities.

Recommendations for policymakers, developers, and professionals to promote sustainable and resilient building practices.

This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in advancing the development of net-zero and positive-energy communities, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, and promoting a greener and more sustainable future.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032211855