Zero-carbon buildings
Zero-carbon house is a term most often used in the UK. The UK government aims to make all new homes built zero-carbon by 2016.
A zero-carbon house is a building where net carbon dioxide emissions resulting from all energy used in the dwelling are zero or better. This includes the energy consumed in the operation of the space heating/cooling and hot-water systems, ventilation, all internal lighting, cooking and all electrical appliances. In practice, this will most likely mean that the houses must be energy-producing and produce surplus of energy in the summer time for the national UK energy grid.
When adopting the zero-carbon requirements for buildings the most economical solution is to make the building energy-efficient. This will be the cheapest way in the long perspective when taking lifetime of components into account.
