Using existing whole building energy tools for designing net-zero energy buildings – challenges and workarounds

As part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) energy efficiency in building project, the authors have been involved in modelling various technology options for different building market segments to reach net-zero energy goal. This paper describes the modelling of single-family residence in US southeast as a case-in-point to illustrate the most common strategies that are considered during net-zero energy building (NZEB) design stage, ease of modelling these strategies using different tools, and issues of input/output quality control. It will conclude by suggesting critical concepts that need to be added to the simulation tools in general, for them to