Sustainable Approach for Conversion of Building to ‘Zero Energy Building’

Energy efficient infrastructure is the need of the hour for sustainable development. Zero energy building (ZEB) is one of the concepts towards sustainability. One of the most effective ways to achieve sustainability is to convert existing buildings to zero energy buildings. In this study concept of zero energy building and various retrofitting techniques for conversion of existing building to zero energy is studied in detail. A case study of residential house in rural area has been done for retrofitting in which Building Envelope and Renewable Energy techniques are used for retrofitting. Cost analysis and recovery period of the retrofitting is carried out. The first 24 years are used to recoup the entire expense of the retrofit. Building is used for the remaining 16 years with the advantage of cost savings from retrofitting of Rs. 2, 87,445/-. From case study it is concluded that both the techniques are suitable and cost effective for conversion of residential house into zero energy building.