Zero energy homes – Are they economically viable?. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berry, Stephen; Davidson, Kathryn
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 85(2015)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Building energy policy -- Zero energy homes -- Building monitoring -- Energy economics; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2015.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Whilst net zero energy homes are espoused in many policy circles, and many bespoke examples have been constructed to demonstrate their technical feasibility, there is a scarcity of evidence demonstrating such a standard would be economically rational, particularly for large scale housing development where orientation and aspect may not always be optimal. Drawing on energy monitoring evidence and construction economics associated with a nearly zero energy housing estate in Adelaide, Australia, this paper explores the economic feasibility of the net zero energy home policy in warm temperate climates. The results demonstrate that using economic tools and assumptions typically applied for building energy regulatory policy changes, net societal economic benefits significantly outweigh costs. The clear economic outcomes, combined with expected health and productivity benefits from improved levels of thermal comfort, should provide security to policy makers to progress home energy standards towards net zero energy performance. Highlights: The concept of net zero energy homes is examined for economic viability. Evidence is collected from a near net zero energy housing estate. Conservative results show that societal benefits outweigh costs. Significant additional benefits gained from net zero energy homes.