Towards a Definition for Zero Energy Districts in Panama: A Numerical Assessment of Passive and Active Strategies

Abstract

Buildings, both in their construction and operation stages, represent a significant percentage of global energy use and carbon dioxide emissions; therefore, it is necessary to implement energy efficiency regulations, both individually and at the urban and city scale. Thus, this research involves a numerical evaluation of bioclimatic and energy solutions to achieve zero energy district (or ZED) in Panama. The research objectives are focused on identifying the factors that most influence energy consumption, systematizing the solutions found, and establishing a preliminary definition of ZED for Panama. By analyzing of a neighborhood (here referred as district) in Chitré, Herrera (base model) and optimizing the variables with the greatest impact on energy consumption, a saving of 31% was found. Finally, the inclusion of solar electricity generation was such that it was possible to cover 100% of the demand, having a positive net balance of 325 kWh/m2y that can be exported to another district or to an intelligent electrical grid system.