2. Understand the Grid
System
• ZEBs partially use electrical & gas utilities
• The Grid system seeks energy balance.
• Energy surpluses can be either stored or sent
back to the central grid (obtaining credit).
• Net-metering agreements are essential
(depending on jurisdiction)
• Keep energy consumption at a constant level,
reducing the exploitation of other energy
resources.
Non-GRID Buildings
• Utilize energy sources outside its footprint
• Includes propane gas and other fuels
• Structures like these consume 40% of fossil fuels (2014)
• Ignites strain on fuel production that could harm eco-layout
3. Utilize Supply-Side
Renewable Energy (RE)
Technology
• Supply-Side sources include photovoltaics, solar hot water,
and wind.
• Adds LEED points for development.
• Hydroelectrics and Biofuels are two supply-side resources
that can be established with The Grid system.
• Supply-side resources can be on-site or off-site.
Rank Option Resources
1 Energy that flows to the structure Wind, solar E., PV
2 Energy that surrounds the site ^Same, but not on site
3 Energy off-site for on-site Waste streams, biomass, biodiesel
4 Buy off-site renewable energy Emissions credits, hydroelectrics
On-Site
Off-Site
Options above ranked in regards to the analysis of The National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
4. Demand Control
• Demand costs on electricity hold a financial burden over
commercial properties.
• Cutting these costs means: Xsite-energy < 2,000 kWh
• Striving for lower demand costs = less Grid electricity usage
= More dependability on on-site resources = ZEB
• Achieving Demand Control: Tight thermal construction, eco-
synced window design, appropriately sized ventilation
systems.
Long-term Issues:
Wide-scale demand controlled
ZEBs would result in greater costs
of infrastructure $$,
Raising both fixed and demand
charges on all other structures.
ZEBs
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Energy storage
Sites could save
25-62% on
electricity bills
Surplus energy will be
sent back for credit
(net metering
agreement)
5. ZEB Classifications
• Assess all possible cost-effective energy strategies.
• Next, pinpoint RE sources and tech on-site to diminish cost.
1. ZEB (Class-A): Relies on on-site RE for energy use,
and matches or exceeds utility imports. Quantifying
cost reductions depends on net-metering policies in
location.
2. ZEB (Class-B): Combo of energy efficiency, RE within
energy footprint (area that can absorb CO2 emissions),
and RE generated on-site. Net-metering policies will
again be crucial in determining costs.
3. ZEB (Class-C): Uses on-site RE to max. potential.
Energy is also imported off-site. Transportation costs
accumulate making cost balance difficult.
4. ZEB (Class-D): Uses on-site RE to max. potential.
Purchases RE from distant certified sources. Won’t
qualify for cost effectiveness or on-site energy source.
Grades are indicated by the National Laboratory of The Department of Energy
6. ZEB Determinations
ZEB goal Description
ZEB cost
Energy surplus that site exports to grid = The
Energy that site would use annually from grid
ZEB site Energy produced on-site = Energy needed
ZEB source
Primary energy used for site efficiently
supplies the demand
ZEB emission
Applies to emissions buildings, where
produced emissions-free energy = emissions
producing energy sources
7. Successful ZEBs or Low-
Energy Buildings (LEBs)Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies; Oberlin College; Oberlin, OH
Founded: 2000
ZEBsite : PV system (60 kW on-site) (100kW off-site)
ZEBclass : Class-B
Size : 13,600 sq ft.
Cambria Office Building; Ebensburg, PA
Founded: 2001
LEBsite : PV system (14 kW panels on-site)
LEBclass : Class-C
Size : 36,000 sq ft.
Thermal Test Facility; U.S Dept. of Energy; Golden, Colorado
Founded: 1996
ZEBsite : HVAC system, window designs, Air circulation systems
ZEBclass: Class - B
Size : 11,000 sq ft.
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