Zero energy buildings : theoretical investigation and applied analysis for the design of zero energy building in hot climate countries

Theoretical investigation and practical analysis for the design of Zero Energy Building in hot climate countriesProblem description: The buildings consume significant amounts of energy and are therefore major contributors to the overall CO 2 emissions at the present time.The reduction of energy consumption in buildings is a major contribution to the overall control of global warming and to the improvement of sustainability.These reductions are essential as the world faces economic and energy crisis.An important key to the world's energy problem is sustainable development.Taking the island of Cyprus as a case study, this thesis explores the different building categories and types, analyse building energy models and propose guidelines for the success development of Zero energy buildings in hot climates without compromising the comfort levels of the buildings.Purpose: The ultimate target is to be able to design and operate a building which requires no fossil fuel consumption -the so called "zero energy/carbon (emissions)" building.It is important for all countries to set a national goal in order to achieve zero energy consumption in the building sector and reduce the energy demands.Method: Through the theoretical research the project explored the causes of the problem of building energy, the different types of buildings, the definitions of zero energy buildings in various countries, regulations and standards concerning the buildings energy and all the available technology, methods and materials that can be used in the building sector.In this way the analysis presents the needs of the project and the point of focus during the practical part of the research with simulation of building models.The practical part of the project was the simulation of different building models in order to apply and check the theoretical findings and finally reach conclusions on the development of Zero energy buildings in hot climate countries.During the building simulation a variety of parameters such as the weather, the orientation, the shading methods, the insulation methods, the buildings materials, the glazing, the HVAC systems and building operation profiles were checked in order to find the appropriate combination of factors and achieve the zero energy building goals.Conclusions: This new approach to zero energy building, gives a new perspective to the energy consumption of the building and the indoor environment while also taking environmental impact from the building sector into account.This change in approach is a crucial part of the overall problem of how to achieve the ultimate goal of Zero Energy Buildings and how to convert buildings into "producers" of energy and help solve the world energy problem/crisis.