An Adaptable Net Zero Model: Energy Analysis of a Monitored Case Study

Abstract

Increased efforts toward climate change mitigation and achieving net zero (NZ) are occurring globally. This research addresses three challenges to meeting the target NZ goals: (1) quantifying energy use reduction approaches, including energy efficiency and renewable power; (2) obtaining measured data to verify NZ achievements; and (3) providing NZ definitions to a globally understandable concept. To do so, a reorganized NZ concept (NZX%(ORG)) is proposed that is practical, measurable, and adaptable to different regions and requirements. The “X%” presents the fraction of renewable energy to the total energy used, and the “ORG” defines the organization’s NZ definition that a project uses. The objective of this proposal is to create a universally NZ concept and method, using measured utility power data, by (1) determining a baseline NZX%(ORG); (2) projecting an optimized NZX%(ORG); (3) measuring and reporting the actual NZX%(ORG). This application is extendable from a building level to the community, city, and country levels (NZCX%(ORG)). The Serenbe community, a monitored case study in Georgia, was analyzed. The baseline NZ rating using metered data was NZC16%(ASHRAE). The analysis showed that improved energy efficiency measures (lighting, windows glazing, air sealing) along with increased on-site solar power generation (from 10% to 25% of all roof space), provided a projected NZC80%(ASHRAE). In addition, publicly available documentation of the measured utility power is required for reporting the actual NZCX%(ORG) in Serenbe. Using NZX%(ORG) provides recognition of partial success in moving toward 100% renewable power.