ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book develops methodology for zero carbon design and demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to design new or retrofit zero carbon buildings today. It demonstrates that there are higher rates of return from a zero carbon investment than from any other financial investment, based on a detailed case study of a zero carbon retrofit building. The book shows that not all zero carbon designs are economically viable, emphasising the need for economic analysis as an integral part of design methodology. It starts to come to terms with climate change and its long-term consequences that will affect the next few generations, the demand for zero carbon design of buildings is influenced both by legislation and by the increased awareness of building owners and users.
