Abstract <p>Energy consumption in buildings has increased significantly over the past decade due to population growth, increased demand for buildings and global climate change. Over forty percent of the main energy used worldwide is presently consumed in buildings. Because of this, creating energy-efficient buildings can offer substantial remedies for the severe danger that carbon emissions and energy shortages pose to our quality of life. Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) can be an efficient way to lower energy consumption in the residential building sector in a hot and dry climate like Iraq. In order to achieve ZEB while simultaneously lowering potentially harmful environmental impacts, reducing carbon emissions and reducing the impact of global climate change. This research offers a brief overview of the most recent approaches for ZEBs technologies, which can be summed up in three categories: energy-saving passive technologies, energy-efficient building services systems (active), and renewable energy production technologies.The research aims to develop an advanced solution that combines different scenarios to transform residential buildings into zero-energy or close to zero energy buildings. The scenarios investigated include optimal design, envelope insulation system, shading, glazing treatment, use of smart systems for heating, cooling, and air conditioning (HVAC), the use of smart lighting systems and energy-saving devices, using solar photovoltaic panels as renewable energy technologies. In order to verify the proposed solutions. The research methodology was to apply these treatments to a residential building in Iraq. The energy simulation program (Design Builder) is used to determine the amount of savings in energy consumption and the amount of reduction in carbon emissions in the residential building. The results of the research show that the maximum reduction rate of energy demand for cooling and heating by (87%) was achieved by changing the building insulation, ventilation and shading systems compared to the traditional residential building. In addition, the scenarios of using building insulation and the use of three-layer glass have the greatest impact on reducing energy demand by an overall reduction of (59%) compared to other scenarios. CO<sub>2</sub> emissions were significantly reduced after the use of insulation materials and the highest decline was recorded by 49% after the use of wall insulation material. A solar cell system was used on the roof to provide the building with the energy needed to operate it. The results highlighted that the effects of the main scenarios that were applied in combination to achieve ZEB should be considered. There is a wide possibility of achieving ZEB locally for small buildings, despite the fact that Iraq is located within areas with a hot and dry climate. Most buildings can be developed to reach zero, near-zero or efficient buildings.</p>

Evaluating Zero-Energy Building Design Techniques in Hot, Dry Climates

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年8月1日

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Manar T. Taha,
Younis Mahmoud M. Saleem

摘要

Abstract

Energy consumption in buildings has increased significantly over the past decade due to population growth, increased demand for buildings and global climate change. Over forty percent of the main energy used worldwide is presently consumed in buildings. Because of this, creating energy-efficient buildings can offer substantial remedies for the severe danger that carbon emissions and energy shortages pose to our quality of life. Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) can be an efficient way to lower energy consumption in the residential building sector in a hot and dry climate like Iraq. In order to achieve ZEB while simultaneously lowering potentially harmful environmental impacts, reducing carbon emissions and reducing the impact of global climate change. This research offers a brief overview of the most recent approaches for ZEBs technologies, which can be summed up in three categories: energy-saving passive technologies, energy-efficient building services systems (active), and renewable energy production technologies.The research aims to develop an advanced solution that combines different scenarios to transform residential buildings into zero-energy or close to zero energy buildings. The scenarios investigated include optimal design, envelope insulation system, shading, glazing treatment, use of smart systems for heating, cooling, and air conditioning (HVAC), the use of smart lighting systems and energy-saving devices, using solar photovoltaic panels as renewable energy technologies. In order to verify the proposed solutions. The research methodology was to apply these treatments to a residential building in Iraq. The energy simulation program (Design Builder) is used to determine the amount of savings in energy consumption and the amount of reduction in carbon emissions in the residential building. The results of the research show that the maximum reduction rate of energy demand for cooling and heating by (87%) was achieved by changing the building insulation, ventilation and shading systems compared to the traditional residential building. In addition, the scenarios of using building insulation and the use of three-layer glass have the greatest impact on reducing energy demand by an overall reduction of (59%) compared to other scenarios. CO₂ emissions were significantly reduced after the use of insulation materials and the highest decline was recorded by 49% after the use of wall insulation material. A solar cell system was used on the roof to provide the building with the energy needed to operate it. The results highlighted that the effects of the main scenarios that were applied in combination to achieve ZEB should be considered. There is a wide possibility of achieving ZEB locally for small buildings, despite the fact that Iraq is located within areas with a hot and dry climate. Most buildings can be developed to reach zero, near-zero or efficient buildings.