Implementation of a Zero-energy Building Scheme for a Hot and Dry Climate Region in Iran (a Case Study, Yazd)

In this research, a plan to implement a zero-energy building (ZEB) for a hot and dry climate region of Iran (Yazd) is introduced and a comparison with a typical house of that climate is performed. Based on climate conditions, several active or passive methods are available in order to create a balance between energy supply and demand, namely improving wall insulations by using efficient heating/cooling devices, using solar energy, utilizing energy storage devices, and etc. Here, the SketchUp software is employed to present the plot of the selected building. In addition, one of the interfaces of Energy plus software called "BEOpt" is used for performing energy and economic analyses on the fast-constructed and pre-fabricated schemes. Considering the equipment’s world price, the results demonstrate that the zero-energy building scheme in selected climate conditions is applicable and the payback period is estimated to be about 5.5 years. In addition, replacing the typical buildings with a ZEB will decrease carbon dioxide emissions by about 27.4 metric tons/yr.