Zero Energy Buildings

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs), equipping readers with the knowledge and tools to design, construct, and retrofit buildings that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. It provides a holistic understanding of the principles, technologies, and materials that are shaping the future of the built environment. As the building sector accounts for a significant share of global energy use and emissions, ZEBs represent a potential solution for achieving climate goals and promoting sustainable development. Therefore, the book addresses one of the most important global challenges, which is reduction of energy consumption and carbon footprint

The book starts with the discussion of global energy challenges and the role of the building sector in addressing these challenges. Fundamental and core principles of ZEBs, tracing their evolution and highlighting current trends are discussed by giving the readers insight into site and building design strategies that optimize energy use and environmental performance. The core focus of the book is on cutting-edge technologies and materials, including high-performance insulation, advanced glazing, phase change materials (PCMs), energy storage systems and emerging automation systems. It is discussed how these components contribute to ZEB efficiency and interact with renewable energy technology with the support of intelligent building automation systems. In addition, the book addresses practical approaches in retrofitting existing buildings to meet near-zero energy standards and provides insights into the tools and resources for ZEB development.

This book is an essential resource for researchers, architects, engineers, energy consultants, sustainability experts, urban planners, and policy makers involved in sustainable construction, green building certification, and energy policy development.

Dr. Benjamin Duraković is an Associate Professor at the International University of Sarajevo, in Bosnia, specializing in sustainable building technologies, with a particular focus on energy efficiency in buildings. He has authored / edited number of academic books, book chapters, and published a substantial number of research articles and reviews in leading journals specializing in energy efficiency and sustainable building technologies. His research has been featured in high-impact journals addressing topics like thermal energy storage, PCM-enhanced envelope systems, and low-energy building strategies. He is the author of a monograph titled "PCM-Based Building Envelope Systems: Innovative Energy Solutions for Passive Design", and among the others, a contributing author to several volumes on building energy demand management, where he among the others examined strategies for reducing peak demand and enhancing building energy responsiveness.

His academic contributions through collaborative interdisciplinary projects reflect a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice related to energy optimization, smart building systems, and sustainable design. His research contributions are widely cited and recognized in both academic and professional circles, particularly in the domains of energy modeling and thermal energy storage.

His proposed book, "Zero Energy Buildings: Fundamentals, Materials and Technologies for a Sustainable Future", builds upon this foundation and reflects a culmination of years of research and teaching, offering insights into state-of-the-art strategies, techniques, and technologies essential for achieving global energy and climate goals.