Subtask A: Definitions & Large-Scale Implications

The objective of this Subtask (STA) is to establish an internationally agreed understanding on NZEBs based on a common methodology.

The Participants shall achieve this objective by:

• The review and analysis of existing NZEB definitions and data (site/source energy, emissions, exergy, costs, etc.) with respect to the demand and the supply side;
• A study of grid interaction (power/heating/cooling) and time dependent energy mismatch analysis.
• The development of a harmonized international definition framework for the NZEB concept considering large-scale implications, exergy and credits for grid interaction (power/heating/cooling).
• The development of a monitoring, verification and compliance guide for checking the annual balance in practice (energy, emissions and costs) harmonized with the definition.

Subtask B: Design Process Tools

The Subtask (STB) aims to identify and refine design approaches and tools to support industry adoption of innovative demand/supply technologies for NZEBS.

The Participants shall achieve this objective by:

• Documenting processes and tools currently being used to design NZEBs and under development by participating countries.
• Assessing gaps, needs and problems and, considering the work of STA and STC, inform simulation engine and detailed design tools developers of priorities for NZEBs.
• The development/refinement of design processes and simplified NZEB tools or interfaces (e.g. spreadsheet or web-based method), linked to STC Solution Sets to support integration of NZEB technologies and architecture at the early design stage.

Subtask C: Advanced Building Design, Technologies and Engineering

The objectives of this Subtask (STC) are: to develop and test innovative, whole building net-zero solution sets for cold, moderate and hot climates with exemplary architecture and technologies that would be the basis for demonstration projects and international collaboration.

The Participants shall achieve these objectives by:

• Documenting and analyzing current NZEBs designs and technologies, benchmarking with near NZEBs and other very low energy buildings (new and existing), for cold, moderate and hot climates considering sustainability, economy and future prospects using a projects database, literature review and practitioner input (workshops).
• Developing and assessing case studies and demonstration projects in close cooperation with practitioners.
• Investigating advanced integrated design concepts and technologies in support of the case studies, demonstration projects and solution sets
• Developing NZEB solution sets and guidelines with respect to building types and climate and to document design options in terms of market application and CO2 implications.

Subtask D: Dissemination

The objective of the dissemination activity is to support knowledge transfer and market adoption of NZEBs on a national and international level.

This Subtask integrates the activities of Subtasks A, B, and C. Each Subtask will be responsible for the production of designated parts of the overall information dissemination activity. Subtask leaders will be responsible for the coordination of the individual contributions of Subtask participants and for coordination with the other Subtasks where a combined output is planned. Individual participants will be selected to take over responsibility for each of the proposed dissemination activities. These dissemination activities will be coordinated through the Subtask Leaders Committee.

The Participants shall achieve the objectives by:

• Establishing an NZEB web page, within the IEA SHC/ECBCS Programmes framework, and a database that can be expanded and updated with the latest projects and experiences.
• Producing a NZEB source book including example buildings for investigated building types and climates.
• Transferring the Task outputs to national policy groups, industry associations, utilities, academia and funding programmes.
• Establishing an education network, summer school and contributions to the Solar Decathlon and similar student activities.
• Workshops, articles and features in magazines to stimulate market adoption.