ANALYSING ENERGY PERFORMANCE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO NET-ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS

Abstract

This study investigates the energy performance and design characteristics of two Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), namely the School of Design and Environment 4 (SDE 4) and the Frontier, located in Singapore. The aim is to compare the impacts of various building designs on energy consumption and identify strategies for an optimal NZEB design. The research employs a comparative analysis approach, examining factors such as building design, cooling mechanisms, natural ventilation, lighting, and renewable energy integration. Data on energy consumption over a specific period are collected and analysed to assess the effectiveness of each building's design in achieving net-zero energy status. The findings reveal that SDE 4 demonstrates superior energy efficiency compared to Frontier, attributed to its innovative hybrid cooling system, natural ventilation features, and shaded spaces with daylight access. However, challenges related to data availability and accuracy for the Frontier highlight the importance of closer collaboration with building operators for future research endeavours. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights towards the correlation between building design and energy efficiency in NZEBs, offering recommendations for enhancing sustainability in the built environment.