Potential to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions by using renewable energy technologies in the conversion of existing houses into net-zero and near net-zero energy buildings

Abstract

One of the most popular options to reduce the energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in housing is the adoption of the net-zero energy building (NZEB) concept, which is defined as a building that exports energy equal to or more than that it imports. This paper explores the potential to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions by using renewable energy technologies to convert existing houses into net-zero and near net-zero energy buildings based on the findings of an in-depth study conducted for the Canadian housing stock.