ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a number of case studies of zero carbon buildings around the world. A very detailed case study of a retrofit house in England, the Birmingham Zero Carbon House (ZCH), is followed by shorter case studies of buildings in Europe, Japan, China and the UK. The case studies demonstrate a range of unique ways to zero carbon design, showing a variety of approaches in different climates. All of the approaches demonstrate the underlying desire to make better buildings for people, and have pushed the boundaries of integration of design and technology. The variety of solutions to zero carbon design problems will provide the reader with an enhanced design toolbox to stimulate their own design thinking. The Birmingham ZCH is an unusual implementation of zero carbon design. The chapter presents an outline of building energy efficiency measures implemented in ZCH.
