Can a building produce as much energy as it consumes?
Solar power is poised to play a critical role in the construction of net-zero energy buildings.
A net-zero energy building (NZEB) produces as much renewable energy as it consumes in an average year. To achieve this, I combine solar technologies with additional energy-efficiency measures in a building’s envelope and HVAC systems.
My work involves solar energy engineering, energy efficiency, the optimization of building thermal systems, integrated solar and daylighting systems, and optimization of building operation and interaction with smart energy grids.
As the NSERC/Hydro-Quebec Industrial Research Chair in Optimized Operation and Energy Efficiency toward High Performance Buildings, a Concordia University Research Chair and the Director for the Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies, with my research team, I have provided expertise on several innovative projects such as the solar wall at John Molson School of Business building and the Varennes net-zero energy library.
My name is Andreas Athienitis and I’m a professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering.