GLOBAL ENERGY FRAMEWORK – POLICIES, STRATEGIES, AND MEASURES OF ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS: APPROACHES, INITIATIVES, AND BARRIERS TOWARDS EGYPT’S VISION

Abstract

Energy-environmental perspectives for sustainable future are important global issues. Demands on energy are rapidly increasing due to vast urbanization and colossal human activities. The building sector is remarkably characterized as a highly intensive sector for all energy resources (52%), especially the electric energy. Hence, making conventional buildings to be Near-Zero Energy buildings (NZEBs) is a must. Studying the energy balance and performance in the building sector is also vital to assess the pattern of consumption and identify which areas that needs to apply energy efficiency solutions and features for NZEBs. This thesis aims at developing a customized national framework to be adopted in Egypt, yet serves as a robust roadmap towards NZEBs. The research methodology depends on three approaches: a theoretical study, an analytical approach followed by a deductive approach. The study reviews the efforts carried out for energy efficient and NZEBs. The research also focuses on global zero-energy policies and strategies. Global best practices of NZEB models and configurations were highlighted and assessed in order to deduce and develop a targeted applicable roadmap/guidelines approach for the national NZEB in Egypt.