To achieve efficient energy use designers typically combine  principles that work with the on site assets.  Sunlight, prevailing breezes and geothermal energy of the earth below a building can provide  stable indoor temperatures.

Residental zero energy buildings technology:

Heating

• Geothermal Heat Pump
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Hot water heat recycling
• Heat Pump – air source
• Central Warm Air Furnace
• Steam or Hot Water Systems with Radiators
• Floor or Wall Furnace
• Heating Stove
• Pellet Stove
• Portable Electric Heater

Cooling

• Central Air Conditioner
• Window and Wall Air Conditioner
• Heat Pump – air source
• Geothermal Heat Pump
• Swamp Cooler
• Evaporative Cooler

Water Heating

• Tank Water Heater
• Heat Pump Water Heater
• Tankless Water Heater

Commercial zero energy buildings technology:

Cooling

• Packaged air conditioning
• Individual Room air conditioning
• Heat Pumps
• Central Chiller
• District Chilled Water

Heating

• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Packaged Heating Units
• Geothermal Heat Pump
• District Steam or Hot Water
• Individual Space Heaters

Lighting

• Incandescent Lamp
• Fluorescent Lamp
• High-Intensity Discharge Lamp
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp
• Solid-State Lighting

Zero Energy Building Illustration: Please move curser over the illustration for more details

www.nrel.gov