Zero Energy Solar-House Model for Isolated and Environmental Protection Areas in Brazil

This study aims to analyze the benefits of applying a Zero Energy Building (ZEB) as an alternative to conventional buildings in isolated and environmental protected areas in Brazil as a hosting unit. A Zero Energy Solar-House (ZESH) is defined, considering its fabrication, assembly systems, use of natural resources and strategies for energy efficiency, leading to low environmental impact. A Brazilian scenery is described regarding energy feeding conditions in isolated areas, the occupation of protection areas, which are coveted by real estate market and touristic exploitation, and the consequent environmental impact. The ZESH harnesses sun's energy throughout a photovoltaic (PV) system for energy generation, solar collectors for water heating and passive environmental conditioning. Besides, it has local wastewater treatment and solid waste management systems, reducing the environmental impact arising from the occupants activities. To verify the ZESH model, this study takes the Eko House Project, an efficient solar house prototype that meets the ZESH premises. This study results in accounting greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions reduction by the solar PV electricity generation instead of diesel generators. Results point out a potential to avoid up to 14.4 t of CO2/year for one ZESH unit. It is observed that the ZESH contributes to enable the occupation of these areas by local communities or touristic exploitation with responsibility, low resources consumption and reducing the environmental impact when compared to conventional buildings, allowing these areas to develop on a sustainable way and benefiting local communities.