One of the emerging milestones in building construction is the development of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs). This complex concept is defined as buildings that on a yearly average consume as much energy as they generate using renewable energy sources. Realization of NZEBs requires a wide range of technologies, systems, and solutions with varying degrees of complexity and sophistication, depending upon the location and surrounding environmental conditions. This paper will address the role of the above technologies and solutions and discusses the challenges being faced. The objective is to maximize energy efficiency, optimize occupant comfort, and reduce dependency on both the grid and the municipal potable water supply by implementing sustainable strategies in designing a research and sports facility. Creative solutions by the architectural and engineering team capitalize on the design of a unique glazing system; energy efficient technologies; water use reduction techniques; and a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) microgrid (MG) with integrated control aspects and renewable energy sources. 1. Introduction The building sector currently accounts for about one-third of the total worldwide energy use and much of this consumption is directly attributed to building design and construction [1]. A wide array of measures have been adopted and implemented to actively promote a better energy performance of buildings, including the nearly zero energy building (NZEB) concept, which is a realistic solution for the mitigation of CO2 emissions. The NZED concept is also a viable way of reducing energy use in buildings, in order to alleviate the current worldwide energy challenges of rising prices, climate change, and security of supply [2]. The NZEB implies that the energy demand for electrical power is reduced, and this reduced demand is met on an annual basis from renewable energy supply which can be either integrated into the building design or provided, for example, as part of a community renewable energy supply system. It also implies that the grid is used to supply electrical power when there is no renewable power available and that the building will export power back to the grid when it has excess power generation, in many cases, selling this exported power to the local utility company through a Feed-In Tariff program. The objective of NZEBs is not only to minimize the energy consumption of the building with passive design methods but also to design a building that balances energy requirements with active techniques and renewable technologies. The
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