Near zero energy buildings (nZEB)

This research area investigates near Zero Energy Building (nZEB) design and performance. This research  is primarily related to the work of the nZEB101 project funded by the SEAI.

nZEB101 aims to uncover the key nZEB design and operations lessons as Ireland embarks on the unprecedented mass market implementation of these low-energy buildings. The project monitors a large sample set of homes built and retrofit to high nZEB standards. It includes Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) studies of these homes and their occupants, and detailed technical interrogations of the technologies and fabric of these buildings in operation.

The project is supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and builds on an established and effective multidisciplinary collaboration of academia and experienced low-energy dwelling professionals with a history of implementing low-energy/nZEB. The team has published widely on housing POE, air-to-water heat pumps and in-situ U-value testing of different nZEB building fabrics.