About the Net Zero Energy Building Project
The Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, with global partners and local stakeholders, has embarked on a pioneering project to construct Jamaica’s first Net Zero Energy Building.
The main objective of the project, initiated with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the technical assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is to research and develop practical working solutions that will transform building policies and practices.
The Net Zero Energy Building Project follows on from a previous project implemented by ISD, “Developing Design Concepts for Climate Change Resilient Buildings” (Build Better Jamaica Phase 1) which was sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and by UWI. The goal of Phase 1 was to promote sustainability and climate change resilient buildings in the Caribbean. More information regarding Phase 1 is available here.
What is a Net Zero Energy Building?
A Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) also known as a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building or a Net Zero Building, is a building in which the total amount of energy used on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site or at other renewable energy sources.
These buildings at times consume non-renewable energy and produce greenhouse gases while at other times reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas production by the same amount. As a result, these buildings do not increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The UWI Net Zero Energy Building will consist of an advanced prototype constructed as a demonstration of emerging and best practices in the built environment, including energy efficiency, ideal building layout, window detailing, efficient lighting and cooling.
It will also demonstrate:
- Renewable Energy – the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels.
- Water Management – collection and reuse of rain and storm water as well as waste water from the building’s operations.
- Environmental Design – overall design to build resilience to changing climatic conditions including hurricanes, storms, floods and drought as well as earthquake resistance.
Environmental Benefits
The goal is a modal shift in building forms and technologies, making zero net energy construction the preferred option in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
NHT to participate in Net Zero Energy Building Project
The Net Zero Energy Building Project being established under the ISD at the UWI is already having a multiplier effect.
First out of the blocks will be the National Housing Trust (NHT) which has signed an MOU with the ISD/UWI for the NHT headquarters in Kingston to be used as a demonstration project.
While work proceeds to construct the Net Zero Energy Building at the UWI, the NHT will benefit from an assessment and implementation of the most advanced retrofit solutions to increase energy efficiency and performance of their existing buildings, their adjoining car park and the Emancipation Park.
It is expected that with the retrofitting under the 2-year MOU delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits, the demonstration of the various facets of Net Zero building technology will encourage others in Jamaica to follow suit and inform new Net Zero construction.
Partners
A number of stakeholders are cooperating with the ISD, GEF and UNEP in the implementation of the UWI Net Zero Energy Building project. They include:
- Bureau Of Standards Jamaica
- Caribbean Academy Of Sciences Jamaica
- Incorporated Masterbuilders Association Of Jamaica
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association
- Jamaica Institution Of Engineers
- Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd.
- Jamaican Institute Of Architects
- Meteorological Service Jamaica
- Ministry Of Economic Growth & Job Creation
- Ministry Of Science, Energy & Technology
- National Housing Trust
- Office Of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
- Planning Institute Of Jamaica
- Scientific Research Council
- University Of Technology Jamaica
- University Of The West Indies Mona
The Net Zero Energy Building Project Team
Principal Investigators
Professor Anthony Clayton
Professor Tara Dasgupta
Design Team
Team Lead: TYA Design
Architect: SDS Architecture Ltd.
Land Surveyor: Earle Spencer & Co. Ltd.
Quantity Surveyor: Davidson & Hanna
Mechanical Engineer: Planning & Fletcher Ltd.
Structural / Civil Engineer: SGS Engineers
Electrical Engineer: Empro Engineers & Services Ltd.
Project Management
Project Coordinator: Kevin Rodriguez
Project Administrative Assistant: Englebert Davis
Information Dissemination: Expand Management Consulting Ltd.