temperate climate

Zero Energy Buildings require airtightness and mechanical ventilation systems to provide air changes and energy saving. These requirements contrast with the principles of natural ventilation. Through a case study located in Modena, Italy, a design strategy is proposed as a solution to integrate natural and mechanical ventilation systems at different times of the year to reduce the energy consumption in a newly designed high-density ZEB. The internal comfort evaluation for the warm season is then verified with a multizone dynamic simulation and a CFD analysis.

The use of superinsulation is normally associated with climates that are colder and less temperate than that of Auckland, New Zealand. However, if life-cycle energy analysis is undertaken, which incorporates operating and embodied energies and the energy of replacement parts over the life of the building, it can be shown that superinsulation of standard New Zealand lightweight construction more than halves the life-cycle energy of a typical house.