Features of Net Zero House Architecture
A BillionBricks' Net Zero Home in India: Lowers environmental impact through solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, seasonal food cultivation, and stack ventilation
In recent years, net zero house architecture has been gaining popularity because of its potential to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. This modern house design approach is focused on creating buildings that produce as much energy as they consume, which leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy consumption.
Net zero house architecture incorporates a range of innovative features and technologies that work together to minimize energy waste and maximize energy efficiency. They offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional homes and are at the forefront of the green building movement.
Net Zero House High-Performance Window
Net zero homes are designed to produce as much energy as they consume, which requires a high level of energy efficiency. One key component of an energy-efficient home is the windows, which can help to reduce heat loss and gain.
High-performance windows are designed to minimize the transfer of heat and light between the interior and exterior of a home. It has several including low-e coatings that reduce the amount of heat that is transferred through the glass, triple-pane glass that have three layers of glass with two insulating air spaces, argon gas that is used to fill the space between the panes of a double or triple-pane window, and insulated frames that are made from materials that provide additional insulation.
Energy-efficient Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation Systems of Net Zero Home
Energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are key components of a net zero home. These systems are designed to use less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Some of the energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems used in net zero homes are geothermal heat pumps, air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators, and ductless mini-split systems.
Advanced Framing Techniques to Minimize Thermal Bridging
Advanced framing techniques are used to minimize thermal bridging in net zero homes. Thermal bridging occurs when there is a break in the insulation barrier, allowing heat to escape or enter a building. Some examples of advanced framing techniques used to minimize thermal bridging are continuous insulation, 2x6 framing, insulated headers, and rim joists, and staggered framing. By incorporating these advanced framing techniques into a net zero home, homeowners can significantly reduce thermal bridging and improve the overall energy efficiency of their homes.
Air-sealing and Insulation to Prevent Air Leaks and Reduce Heat Loss
Air-sealing and insulation are critical components of a net zero home, as they help to prevent air leaks and reduce heat loss. Some examples of air-sealing and insulation techniques used in net zero homes are air sealing, blower door test, insulation, and attic ventilation. These techniques can significantly reduce air leaks and heat loss in homes.
Greywater Systems
A greywater system is a water conservation system that is often used in net zero homes. Greywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines that can be recycled for other uses, such as irrigation or toilet flushing. Some examples of greywater systems used in net zero homes are gravity-fed systems, pumped systems, and filtered systems. Through greywater systems, homeowners can significantly reduce their water consumption and reduce the strain on municipal water systems which can help reduce the home's overall environmental impact.
Solar Panels or Photovoltaic (PV) Cells to Generate Electricity
Solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) cells are a common feature of net zero homes, as they can generate electricity from the sun's energy. Some examples of solar panel systems used in net zero homes are grid-tied system which is connected to the electrical grid and allows homeowners to feed excess electricity back into the grid and receive credits on their utility bills; off-grid system which is not connected to the electrical grid and requires battery storage to store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night; and building-integrated system which is integrated into the building's design, such as solar shingles or solar windows. Through solar panels or photovoltaic cells, homeowners can generate clean and renewable energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and lowering their carbon footprint.
Role of BillionBricks in Sustainability
BillionBricks is a climate-tech venture that provides innovative architectural solutions for housing problems. One of our focuses is the design and construction of net-zero homes, which we believe can help to address the global housing crisis while also reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Our net-zero homes incorporate a range of design and technology features that work together to minimize energy use. These include passive solar design and high-efficiency insulation. We also incorporate renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels. Our net zero homes represent a sustainable and innovative approach to housing design, one that prioritizes energy efficiency, affordability, and community-driven solutions.
You can email us at hello@billionbricks.org to know more about our projects.
Sources:
1. Monumental Windows and Doors. (2021). 4 Benefits of High-Performance Windows. Retrieved from https://www.monumentalwd.com/high-performance-windows/#:~:text=High%20performance%20windows%2C%20sliding%20glass,heat%20indoors%20during%20the%20winter
2. Energy.gov. (n.d.) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Retrieved from https://rpsc.energy.gov/tech-solutions/hvac
3. SFGates. (2014). How to Reduce Thermal Bridging in Walls. Retrieved from https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/reduce-thermal-bridging-walls-18004078.php#
4. Energy.gov. (n.d.) Air Sealing Your Home. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home
5. Elemental Green. (n.d.) The complete beginner’s guide to greywater systems. Retrieved from https://elemental.green/complete-beginner-guide-to-greywater-systems/
6. Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). Solar explained. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php#:~:text=A%20photovoltaic%20(PV)%20cell%2C,or%20particles%20of%20solar%20energy.
