Role of BIM and energy simulation tools in designing zero-net energy homes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design a zero-energy home, which is known to be capable of balancing its own energy production and consumption close to zero. Development of low-energy homes and zero-net energy houses (ZEHs) is vital to move toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. To achieve zero or low energy targets in homes, it is essential to use the design process that minimizes the need for active mechanical systems. Design/methodology/approach The methodology discussed in this paper consists of an interfacing building information modeling (BIM) tool and a simulation software to determine the potential influence of phase change materials on designing zero-net energy homes. Findings BIM plays a key role in advancing methods for architects and designers to communicate through a common software platform, analyze energy performance through all stages of the design and construction process and make decisions for improving energy efficiency in the built environment. Originality/value This paper reviews the literature relevant to the role of BIM in helping energy simulation for the performance of residential homes to more advanced levels and in modeling the integrated design process of ZEHs.

The use of BIM to achieve zero energy building

This Article introduces the advantage of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to achieve the Zero Energy (ZE). A zero-energy building (ZE), also is known as a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building, or Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB). Net zero building is a building which is zero net energy consumption, which means that the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. A net Zero-Energy Building (ZEB) is a residential or commercial building with greatly reduced energy needs through efficiency gains such that the balance of energy needs can be supplied with renewable technologies. In the concept of the net ZEB is a building which could reduce energy needs through efficiency and gain that balance of the energy needs via different renewable technologies. This paper will touch the necessity of integrating solar panels and wind energy design with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and how could that lead to achieve and reach the ZNEB (Zero Net Energy Building). The article will discuss the gap between modeling tools in energy and the achievement of sustainable features in models that produce for best design results and construction material in the project by using BIM (Building Information Modeling) to reach the ZNEB (Zero Net Energy Building). Keywords: Zero Net Energy (ZNE); Zero Energy Building; Zero Energy; Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB); Zero-Energy Building (ZEB); Building Information Modelling (BIM)