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Cole, R J and Fedoruk, L (2015) Shifting from net-zero to net-positive energy buildings. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 111-20.

Georges, L, Haase, M, Houlihan Wiberg, A, Kristjansdottir, T and Risholt, B (2015) Life cycle emissions analysis of two nZEB concepts. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 82-93.

Gibberd, J (2015) Measuring capability for sustainability: the Built Environment Sustainability Tool (BEST). Building Research & Information, 43(01), 49-61.

Joustra, C M and Yeh, D H (2015) Framework for net-zero and net-positive building water cycle management. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 121-32.

Lützkendorf, T, Foliente, G, Balouktsi, M and Wiberg, A H (2015) Net-zero buildings: incorporating embodied impacts. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 62-81.

Pan, W and Ning, Y (2015) A socio-technical framework of zero-carbon building policies. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 94-110.

Pearl, D S and Oliver, A (2015) The role of 'early-phase mining' in reframing net-positive development. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 34-48.

Renger, B C, Birkeland, J L and Midmore, D J (2015) Net-positive building carbon sequestration. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 11-24.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords:
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0961-3218
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2015.961001
  • Abstract:
    A greater appreciation of architecture as a means to drive social, economic and environmental sustainability is emerging around the world. Practices are beginning to adopt closed-loop and cradle-to-cradle strategies, and some are even aiming toward net-positive design. However, life cycle assessment (LCA) tools do not measure 'beyond zero'. The question of how net-positive carbon sequestration (i.e. impacts beyond net-zero) can be assessed within LCA is explored through a proposed carbon amortization performance (CAP) method. CAP overlays energy-related carbon and biomass sequestration over the building life cycle. CO2 equivalence (CO2e) is used to combine both positive and negative impacts from different sources. Net-positive contributions are defined as those exceeding 'zero operational carbon' - after the embodied carbon is paid back during the life cycle. The CAP method was tested on a building design with the technical support of multidisciplinary experts. The results indicate that a building can sequester more carbon over its life cycle than it emits by using on-site current renewable energy technology and extensive building-integrated vegetation. Buildings designed on net-positive development principles can potentially reverse their carbon impact and begin to regenerate their regions, while providing multiple eco-services.

Torcellini, P, Pless, S and Leach, M (2015) A pathway for net-zero energy buildings: creating a case for zero cost increase. Building Research & Information, 43(01), 25-33.