Towards Zero Emission Residential Buildings (ZEBs) in a Humid Subtropical Climate. Analysis Emissions from Energy Use and Embodied Emissions from Materials in Referential Locations According to Obligatory Residential Energy Codes and Using Generic LCA Data Sources

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate whether is it possible to achieve a zero greenhouse gas emission residential building (ZEB) operating in a humid subtropical climate. Sydney, Atlanta, Shanghai and New Delhi, recognised as main regional policymaker centres, were included in the scope of analysis as referential locations. Calculations of annual energy consumption, embodied emissions from production (A1-A3) and replacement (B4) of construction materials, as well as on-site renewable energy production, were performed on the basis of mandatory energy standards, building performance simulations and generic, process-based life cycle data. All calculations were based on a single-family building model with timber construction. All building’s thermal energy demands are provided by electrical air-to-water heat pump with a backup from an electric coil heater. Additionally, the roof-mounted photovoltaic system is used specifically to reduce GHG emission from building operation and materials. The preliminary results of this study show that zero emission ambition level for residential building is obtained in Sydney and Atlanta, where mandatory energy codes enforced high standards of building energy performance. The paper presents and discusses the results of the environmental impact for a model residential building in each of the specific humid subtropical climate locations. Additionally, general adjustments of the energy codes requirements that could enable higher ZEB ambitions are proposed.