Strategies of Design Concepts and Energy Systems for Nearly Zero-Energy Container Buildings (NZECBs) in Different Climates

Abstract

Container-based lightweight buildings offer a high ecologic and economic potential when they are designed as nearly zero-energy container buildings (NZECBs). Thus, they are relevant to energy transition in achieving an almost climate-neutral building stock. This paper describes and applies design strategies for suitable building concepts and energy systems to be used in NZECBs for different climates. Therefore, different applications in representative climatic zones were selected. Initially, the global climate zones were characterized and analyzed with regard to their potential for self-sufficiency and renewable energies in buildings. The design strategies were further developed and demonstrated for three cases: a single-family house in Sweden, a multi-family house in Germany, and a small school building in rural Ethiopia. For each case, design guidelines were derived and building concepts were developed. On the basis of these input data, various energy concepts were developed in which solar and wind energy, as well as biomass, were integrated as renewable energy sources. All the concepts were simulated and analyzed with the Polysun® software. The various approaches were compared and evaluated, particularly with regard to energy self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency rates up to 80% were achieved. Finally, the influence of different climate zones on the energy efficiency of the single-family house was studied as well as the influence of the size of battery storage and insulation.

A Highly Sustainable Timber-Cork Modular System for Lightweight Temporary Housing

“…A benchmark analysis of the two compared temporary houses was carried out by means the One click LCA online software. The LTH with a value of 152 kg CO2/m 2 emissions falls within band A, whereas the CH with a value of 348 kg CO2/m 2 emissions falls within band C, although it is necessary to specify that the sustainability value of the CH could be further increased by using recycled containers [57]. The benchmark analysis showed the high sustainability of the LTH proposed compared to similar buildings in the same region (Reggio Calabria).…”

From boredom to bliss: unravelling the influence of biophilic office design on gen Z’s mental well-being and contentment

“…Weaknesses: Integrating biophilic design features such as living walls or extensive greenery may incur significant initial costs. Rooms exposed to the sun were not occupied in the summertime (Koke et al. , 2021).…”

Simulation and Analysis of Thermal Insulators Applied to Post-Disaster Temporary Shelters in Tropical Countries

“…This strategic decision has contributed to the increase in the number of unused containers stored in seaports [11], causing problems associated with the allocation of space and requiring a great effort for their reallocation [9]. Currently, it is estimated that there are tens of millions of retired containers in ports around the world [8,12]. On the other hand, manufacturing new units does not eliminate the need to end the life cycle of out-of-service containers and, in this context, there are basically two options available.…”

“…On the other hand, manufacturing new units does not eliminate the need to end the life cycle of out-of-service containers and, in this context, there are basically two options available. The first and most obvious is recycling, given the non-degradable nature of steel [11,12]. However, melting and remanufacturing the standard 3.63 ton container requires 8000 kWh of electrical energy [13][14][15], so this is not the most sustainable option.…”

“…Shipping container buildings benefit from the intrinsic characteristics of modular construction [12] being economical and fast to build [16]. Furthermore, as they are made of corten steel alloy or weathered steel, the containers are highly resistant and durable, once they are designed to withstand many years in the salt air and spray on the ocean [17].…”