Can Taser, PhD in Architecture, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Kyrenia, North Cyprus, 240606001@std.arucad.edu.tr
Nazgol Hafizi, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Design, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Kyrenia, North Cyprus, Nazgol.hafizi@arucad.edu.tr
Correspondence: 240606001@std.arucad.edu.tr
Abstract: From a carbon neutrality perspective in buildings, net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are an important route, while the balance of energy makes sense in the context of hot and humid climates with high cooling demand and the requirement to control humidity. Despite extensive studies addressing single strategies for energy-efficient residential design under such a climate, a systematic review is unavailable about effective approaches and integrated performances of these approaches. The purpose of this systematic review is to review the existing literature regarding net-zero energy homes and hot-humid climates and form an evidence-based framework for its sustainable design. This paper develops a hierarchy of appropriate elements leading to a zero net energy status beginning with passive measures, allowing for variation in the efficiency of active equipment and the proportion of renewable technologies supplemented to meet loads within a hot-humid climate. The framework includes quantitative performance targets for building envelope and system sizing as well as climate-specific metric adjusting. The important research gaps include little validation of long-term performance, lack of attention to new technologies such as phase change materials and adaptive facades, and regional differences in feasibility. The framework provides empirically-based design guidelines to practitioners and also highlights topic areas for future research of climate-responsive net-zero housing design.
Keywords: Net-zero energy buildings, hot humid climate, residential architecture, passive design strategies, active systems, systematic review, meta-analysis, NZEB framework.
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