IDAP is executing a state-of-the-art modern building project for the Energy Department in

Punjab. This building is set to achieve LEED Gold certification and features ground plus nine
floors with three basements, covering a total area of 200,000 square feet. It follows the latest
trends in function-oriented space planning, offering a mix of seating spaces including private
offices, open workstations, team rooms, phone booths, and breakout spaces. Additional amenities
include a spacious cafeteria, a leisure area for indoor gaming, a gym, and multiple terrace
gardens. The design and planning are exceptional in terms of facade design, space planning, and
super-efficient building systems. Once completed, this office building will set a new benchmark
for future developments.

Methodology
The general aim of NZEB design involves reaching a balance between energy consumption and
energy generation results in zero net energy consumption. This can be achieved through energy-
efficient design principles, renewable sources of energy, and the latest emerging technologies for
energy efficiency. A comprehensive analysis is carried out for all the various aspects of the
building and compared with other emerging technologies. We proposed a zero energy building in
our campus. This research explains the steps taken to design a net-zero energy building, as
shown in figure 1.

Flow chart (figure 1)

1. Collection of Required Data:

A) Building details

Table 1. Building Description

Particular Specification Location of building

 Building type Commercial-Office Building
Build-up area
Plot area
No. of floors G+1
Orientation of building

B) Location

To construct a net zero energy building, we must take several conditions into consideration. The
building site, where you are building, the climate and the building’s exposure all have an effect.
Among other things, take into account: [1].

Climate

Sun

Wind patterns

Temperature

Rain patterns

2) 2D and 3D Modelling

The design of a Net Zero Energy Building involves use of some advanced software tools for
optimizing energy efficiency. AutoCAD was used for the 2D design while Autodesk Revit
software was used for developing a 3D model of the building. We also used Autodesk Insights to
analyze the building's energy consumption, ensuring that the building was optimized for energy
efficiency and capable of achieving Net Zero Energy status. By utilizing these advanced software
tools, we were able to propose an energy-efficient and sustainable building.

3) Passive Design Strategies

Passive design principles focus on reducing the energy consumption of buildings through the use
of passive strategies. These strategies include optimizing the building's orientation, using shading
devices to control solar gain, and maximizing natural daylight and ventilation. By minimizing
the energy required to heat, cool, and light the building, passive design strategies can
significantly reduce the energy consumption of a building. [2].

1) Orientation

Orientation is the way to place building on its site to take advantage of the sun and the prevailing
winds in your location. Good orientation can significantly improve comfort and reduce your
heating and cooling needs. A well- calculated building arrangement maximizes solar exposure
during the colder months, inviting warming sunlight into the interiors. Likewise, it can also
minimize the exposure to sun during summer, mitigating excessive heat entrance [3]. In warm
climates, this means we’ll need to use the air conditioning less to keep your building cool.

2) Natural Lighting and Ventilation

Natural sunlight entering a building through skylights can have positive effects on employee
well-being, productivity, stress levels, and mental functioning. Well-placed windows, vents,
skylights, light wells, and openings provide an avenue for fresh air to circulate freely inside a
building. This symmetrical step for exchange serves dual benefits: one, the indoor air quality is
good, and secondly, it reduces the need for mechanical ventilation. This will help accomplish
lower energy use and a closer link with nature. [3]

In our proposed building we provide a large space (fig. ) at the top of the building for the
skylight and to prevent excess solar heat gain in building monochromatic technology is used in
skylight glass panels.

Figure

3) Shading and Solar Control

Shading plays a really important role in reducing heat gain in places with hot climates. With the
increase in the use of glazed facades in our buildings, the lack of optimal shading can result in
excessive heat gain inside the buildings [4] .In passive solar design, the balance between light
and shadow plays a pivotal role. Architectural features such as overhangs, louvres, external
shading devices, and even thoughtfully arranged landscaping are used to regulate sunlight. These
elements are crucial in blocking direct sunlight from entering the building, thereby reducing
unwanted solar heat gain and maintaining indoor comfort. Additionally, the interplay of
projections and recesses contributes to the visual appeal of the building's facade. Homes utilizing
passive solar design harness the sun's natural energy in a sustainable and efficient way. By
incorporating natural ventilation and materials, such homes can be more cost-effective, energy-
efficient, and conducive to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. [3]

4) Green surfaces

Green roofs and walls bring life to buildings by incorporating lush vegetation, offering numerous
advantages. Green roofs act as natural insulation, helping to keep buildings cooler and lessen the impact
of urban heat islands. They also help manage rainwater, easing the burden on drainage systems. Living
walls, on the other hand, not only improve indoor air quality but also enhance the aesthetic with a
natural, green touch. These design elements create a meaningful link between architecture and the
environment, making passive design a key player in harmonizing buildings with nature.

Reference

[1] https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/net-zero-energy-building

[2] Sami, S., Gholizadeh, M., Dadpour, D., & Deymi-Dashtebayaz, M. (2022). Design and optimization of
a CCHDP system integrated with NZEB from energy, exergy and exergoeconomic perspectives. Energy
Conversion and Management, 271, 116347.

[3] https://archiroots.com/powerful-passive-design-strategies/

[4] https://www.whereisthenorth.com/article/12-passive-cooling-strategies-for-hot-climate-
architecture