Zero Emission Buildings in Korea

Abstract

This paper discusses the history, the status quo, and future prospects of Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs) in the Republic of Korea, illustrated by good practice examples. The advantages of, and requirements for, ZEBs are described, concerning the sectors energy, water, nutrients and biomass. ZEBs are characterized by net zero energy consumption through minimization of the service energy demand, which is covered with locally produced renewable energy. The direct water footprint is reduced up to 100% through on-site water supply and wastewater management according to the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management and Sustainable Sanitation. The fresh water demand is reduced through application of water efficient systems, as well as the collection, processing, recycling and reuse of wastewater for non-drinking purposes. Rainwater harvesting, storage, utilization and infiltration for augmentation of groundwater facilitates onsite freshwater supply and drinking water production from rainwater and groundwater. Nutrients and biomass from kitchens and sanitation systems are processed on-site and are recycled for local horticulture and agriculture. Traditional Korean buildings can be generally defined as ZEBs. With modernization and implementation of state of the art centralized infrastructure systems in the 20 th century also traditional know-how and practice regarding the sustainable operation of buildings and resource management has been forgotten. However, since the beginning of the 21 st Korean citizens, policymakers, scientists and companies have a growing interest in sustainability issues. This much promising trend is OPEN ACCESS 2 also reflected by a growing number of research and development activities, including the construction and operation of ZEBs.

Prediction for Overheating Risk Based on Deep Learning in a Zero Energy Building

“…It is the same level as the 1++ level in the building energy efficiency rating, which is one of the requirements in Korea's ZEB certification. Compared with conventional buildings, ZEBs built to PH standards in Korea embody an enormous energy saving potential [16]; some demonstration buildings can reduce energy demand by 56% to 85% [17]. However, severe discomfort issues are found in these buildings; the internal heat gain cannot be dissipated properly, resulting in overheating issues that need to be solved [18].…”