What is zero carbon or carbon neutral construction?
Firstly, one has to achieve ‘zero heating’. This means that the building is insulated and draught proofed to a set of standards that are such that the heating requirements of the occupants are met by solar gains through windows, as well as the heat emitted by appliances and people. Once ‘zero heating’ has been achieved, one has to tackle the emissions associated with electricity use for appliances. ‘Zero carbon’ means that the building must create zero net emissions of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. So, energy used must be ‘paid back’ through the use of renewable energy systems that are designed into the building.
