Net Zero Energy Schools in Pakistan : Opportunities and Challenges /

Abstract

In this study, feasibility of school buildings in Pakistan to attain net zero energy status is assessed. Three different types of K-12 school’s public, purpose built private school and house based private school were selected as a case study. Five public school buildings and two private schools were located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi respectively. For assessment of net zero energy potential, data of energy consumption for one-year was collected. Main energy sources of these schools were electricity, natural gas and fuel for backup generators. Survey of schools to collect data regarding its building infrastructure and energy consumption was performed to identify the measures that can be taken to reduce the energy consumption. ASHARE Level-1(Walk through) audit results showed that lighting, air conditioning and fans are the main load of the buildings so main focus of this study for energy efficiency measures was on these appliances. Onsite renewable energy potential of the schools is assessed considering climatic conditions by using Helioscope for photovoltaic system design for fulfilling the energy requirements of the school buildings. Net zero site energy calculations were performed to determine the potential of the buildings to achieve net zero energy status. Financial analysis of the energy efficient appliances and photovoltaic system using simple payback period is also calculated. Payback period for photovoltaic system range from 3 to 6 years. It is evident from the study that public school buildings and house based private school can achieve net zero site energy status because of low energy consumption requirements and in case of private owned high income community school, achieving net zero site energy is not possible due to large energy requirements to attain thermal comfort and inefficient use of energy.