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 the island’s first Net Zero Energy Building.

The main objective of the project, initiated with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility 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.

What is Net Zero Energy Building?

A Net Zero Energy Building also known as a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building, Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) or 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 reducing energy consumption and greenhouse 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 PV panels and solar trees, water heaters, bio-fuels, bio mass, wind and/or waste to energy technologies.
• Water Management – collection and reuse of rain and storm water as well as waste water from the building 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.

Contact Information:

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The UWI New Zero Energy Building Project

Institute for Sustainable Development

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston 7, Jamaica, W.I.