Modeling Nearly Zero Energy Buildings for Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Abstract

The energy performance of buildings and energy-saving measures have been widely investigated in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to buildings located in rural areas. The aim of this study is to assess the energy performance of two-story residential buildings located in the mountainous village of Palangan in Iran and to evaluate the impact of multiple parameters, namely building orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), glazing type, shading devices, and insulation, on its energy performance. To attain a nearly zero energy building design in rural areas, the building is equipped with photovoltaic modules. The proposed building design is then economically evaluated to ensure its viability. The findings indicate that an energy saving of 29% can be achieved compared to conventional buildings, and over 22 MWh of electricity can be produced on an annual basis. The payback period is assessed at 21.7 years. However, energy subsidies are projected to be eliminated in the near future, which in turn may reduce the payback period.

Optimizing the Life Cycle of Physical Assets through an Integrated Life Cycle Assessment Method

“…A large share of energy consumption occurs in buildings [85,86]. Replacing parts on assets with lower CO 2 impacts results in an increase in overall sustainability.…”

A Critical Success Factor Framework for Implementing Sustainable Innovative and Affordable Housing: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

“…This is due to modern cities (buildings inclusive) that consume natural resources, and generate heat and pollution in significant and wasteful amounts [18]. Energy demand has risen rapidly, causing innumerable universal economic and environmental challenges, such as global warming [20]. Buildings account for about 40% of primary energy consumption and one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making the built environment one of the most energy-intensive sectors and the top GHG emitters [20].…”

“…Energy demand has risen rapidly, causing innumerable universal economic and environmental challenges, such as global warming [20]. Buildings account for about 40% of primary energy consumption and one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making the built environment one of the most energy-intensive sectors and the top GHG emitters [20]. It has been acknowledged, therefore, that a shift in thinking is required to reduce the impact of construction on the environment.…”

“…Furthermore, studies have shown that that the deployment of independent and self-reliant water and energy infrastructures for housing are proven to be more affordable and sustainable in the long term [89,90]. For instance, to attain a near zero energy building design, Khakian et al [20] conducted a study of a building equipped with photovoltaic modules. The building design was then evaluated economically to appraise the building viability.…”

Urban views and their impacts on citizens: A grounded theory study of Sanandaj city

“…Urban views, depending on their structure, details and other factors, may have positive or negative impacts on the citizens (Zhang and Dong, 2018;Karimimoshaver et al, 2020). Various factors such as the shape of urban networks, spatial proportions, building blocks around public spaces, the harmony of buildings, buildings' backdrop, the identity of buildings and spaces, weather, air pollution and dynamic and static non-structural physical elements such as cars, trees, signs, and in general an urban environment with all its components are involved in urban views and emotional responses (Yang et al, 2018;Chmielewski et al, 2016;Aram et al, 2019;Khakian et al, 2020). Cullen (1995) in the introduction of "The Concise Townscape" book refers to the impacts a city can have on the people in which they live or visit, and believes that different urban landscapes can leave different effects.…”