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Methodology Adopted

To assure energy efficiency, a proper methodology was followed to help move all the
stakeholders, i.e. Architects, MEP engineers, and the client, to achieve Passive House
International (PHI)/Net Zero under Living Building Challenge.

The initial evaluation was done using ASHRAE 90.1-2016 international standards.

Figure 1 Design methodology to energy efficiency

Figure 1 outlines a 4-tier approach followed to attain energy efficiency. It also broadly outlines
the process that needs to be adopted for moving towards the path of net-zero buildings. All
buildings' performance was measured across their Energy use Intensity (EUI) and Home Energy
Rating System (HERS) index. These two indices help to measure the performance and quantify
them across benchmarking available via Energy Star.

The key players for providing energy-efficient buildings can be elaborated as:

Site & Form: This starts at the schematic design phase of the building. It involves climate
analysis, orientation, building morphology and design & impact of shading devices.

Passive Design: If the passive design is done appropriately, less dependence on active
systems is seen. The measures include insulation on the envelope, airtightness of the
building, optimum selection for fenestration (windows) and ensuring materials that act as
thermal breaks and reduce heat gains through conduction.

Active Design: A less dependence is seen in this if proper measures have been
implemented in the previous stage of Passive Design. However, while selecting dynamic
systems (HVAC, interior lighting & equipment), high-efficiency systems should be chosen.

Renewable Energy (Solar Photovoltaics): The key to its success is that Renewable Energy
should be installed to produce as many units as the building is consuming to achieve net-
zero.

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