Energy Simulation of Proposed Net Zero Energy Laboratory Building in Central America

Net zero energy buildings, which attempt to balance energy use with renewable energy sources, are being built and promoted throughout the world but the Central American region is staying behind this trend. The present work shows, through energy simulation, that a proposed laboratory building in El Salvador should be efficient enough to achieve net zero status by using building envelope materials and energy systems with specifications that exceed energy efficiency standards and collecting solar energy with a photovoltaic system within the building footprint. Simulation shows that the renewable energy system should generate 42 % more energy than required by the building and one electric vehicle on an annual basis under the conditions and assumptions used. These results provide a starting point for studying the feasibility, technical details, potential and obstacles for the implementation of net zero energy buildings in Central America.