Zero Carbon Home Research Paper

In the 21st century, global warming, which is caused by the increase of carbon dioxide gases that forms from burning fuels in the atmosphere, is a serious threat to the Earth. As National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2006) statistics show, energy consumption is done principally by buildings in the U.S. This research intends to decrease the percentage of carbon emission by developing zero carbon homes. Berry,S. et. al. (2013) define zero carbon homes as having no need for fossil fuel for heating, cooling, and lighting; being neutral for twelve months period; and being energy efficient on-site. In addition, energy efficiency is the most effective way of creating zero energy homes (National Institute of Building Science, 2013), with the help …show more content…
Even though humid and warm climates seem to need it more than cold places, it is important for all because the air quality of a home has psychological effects on people. As Redlich (1997) states, some illnesses which react to allergenic chemicals, and moulds have occurred in non-ventilated areas; and this is defined as sick building syndrome. Three methods of passive cooling are shading, air movement gaps, and light colored roof coverings. Initially, shading is an effective solution against sunlight; although the benefits and drawbacks should be considered in terms of cooling and heating needs of the house. For example, a building which is located in warm climate might need shading more than one in cold. Another aspect of passive cooling is air movement which can provide fresh air to the home by ventilation. The window and door gaps in the plan of the house are placed based on the air flow that should follow a path through in all of the room. Reardon (2013) points out that, the best plan of a room to let the air movement in is the shape of a long rectangle. The key point is to locate the windows due to the direction of the wind. For instance, if the local wind from north façade blows a storm, it is not suitable to have opening such as windows. As Reardon (2013) states, different than cold night wind, “cool breezes” flow between afternoon and the evening when it is essential for ventilation in a building. Therefore, if it is a façade that takes nice cool breeze, then it should be arranged as to get maximum effect. The final aspect is using light colored roof covering such as EPDM or metal sheeting to reflect the sunlight, or applying a planted roof that can absorb the radiation. To summarize, it is an essential need in residential homes to be ventilated, and it is possible with these several methods of passive