Using computer simulation as a tool to develop a Net-Zero energy code for Tucson, Arizona

A process of developing recommendations to the City of Tucson and to Pima County officials to develop the first code for Net-Zero capable buildings in the state of Arizona is described. The proposed code will have a tremendous impact on reducing the state energy consumption through both a prescriptive and performance compliance paths. Implementation of this voluntary standard will also encourage the use of energy simulation software to achieve code compliance. The process is divided into four major steps that lead into the establishment of the pre Net- Zero energy efficiency levels for each building prototype. Full Net-Zero status is then achieved through sizing appropriate PV system based to be installed on the roof or parking structures of buildings. Preliminary results demonstrate one residential prototype achieved the Net-Zero status by a reduced annual cost from $3,350 to $885 (73.6% savings) and a reduced consumption from 48.83 to 11.91 kBtu/ft!.yr (74.47% savings) compared to a basecase that originally complied with the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC2006). This paper strongly emphasizes on how energy simulation can influence and inform the design process of buildings.