ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how zero carbon design can be achieved using dynamic simulation tools with optimisation capabilities. A more detailed description of the building and of the simulation model will be given first before the application of the zero carbon design method. As the models evolve, they will start differing from the actual Greenpower Centre building, in order to demonstrate the steps towards zero carbon design. Life-cycle analysis should therefore be an inclusive part of any zero carbon design in order to achieve both environmental and financial benefits. However, the single simulations method investigates a relatively small number of possibilities, thus potentially leaving some better solutions unexplored. The multi-objective optimisation method requires setting up the design variables at the outset to cover the solution space, and it can then investigate millions of possibilities for a single design through optimisation.
