ABSTRACT
Climate change is the root cause of every known environmental hazard. Climate change is primarily caused by massive volumes of greenhouse gases being produced continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, via various ways, creating an increase in the global average temperature and obstructing short-wave radiation (sunlight). This chapter examines various thermal energy utilities used by residential building constructions, often referred to as nZEBs (or net-zero energy buildings). The main categorization of discrete nZEB classes is discussed, as well as their relevance. Various combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating (DH) techniques and methodologies are briefly defined and shown. The benefits of implementing in-house thermal energy generation, absorption, and storage systems, such as solar passive greenhouse system applications, direct/indirect solar energy–absorbing systems, thermosiphons and underground heat exchangers, as described in this chapter, render reliance on non-renewables obsolete. The household areas that house such energy-efficient equipment must be ergonomically sound. These applications are examined and contrasted further in terms of economic and ergonomic parameters. With the advent of technological advancement, the globe has also witnessed massive amounts of pollution in various forms, which are proving to be dangerous towards the existing community in a variety of ways. One such area of technology usage is the energy sector. Because fuel consumption is among the most basic demands of each and every individual on the earth, it generates one of the biggest significant utilization channels in modern lifestyle. With the development of the power consumption sector, so are the emissions standards connected with carbon footprints. This is due to rising CFC emission-based energy usage, heating and refrigeration systems, and even basic facilities such as electricity. An nZEB is a matrix construction with exceptional embodied energy. nZEB ensures that its fundamental power consumption is balanced by maintaining that the proportion of electricity production delivered through a meter or into any other energy net equals the amount of primary power required to nZEB via power systems. As a reason, a net-zero energy building will only generate energy when the conditions are favourable and will rely on given energy at all other times. If great efficacy in buildings is to be attained by the use of generally accepted and extensively defined indicators, a large decrease in energy-related carbon emissions must be legislated for virtually zero-energy buildings (nZEB). This in no way limits the possibility of adjusting the goals and parameters among those indications to the specifics of the environment. Several countries have already committed to nZEBs as their long-term energy target for building development. When compared with other methods for reducing consumption in the construction field, nZEBs have the high capability to considerably cut energy use while simultaneously improving the overall proportion of renewable energy. These tactics employ a range of ways. However, in order to meet the standards and not fall short of expectations, a widely acknowledged nZEB defining paradigm and a credible ‘zero’ assessment technique are required. The following decade may see a massive rise in research, development, implementation and commercialization of nZEBs as a component of sustainable development for a technologically sophisticated future.
