NET ZERO ENERGY DISTRICT NZED: A STRATEGY TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN QATAR

Abstract

In the twenty first century, there are increasing pressures on energy resources, therefore; various nations are competing to lay hands on all possible fossil fuel resources. Unfortunately, these resources are endangered to run out in the near future, which depends on the manner and rate energy is being consumed. Years ago, concerned countries started looking for alternatives and for technologies to secure their future energy needs (UN HABITAT, 2004). This lead to emergences of a different nature, such as that for saving buildings, eco districts, and energy for smart projects, etc. One of such concepts is The Net Zero Energy Districts (NZED). This new concept means that such districts are consuming enough energy equal to the amount of energy they actually produce. Added to that, these NZEDs do actually produce clean free-emission energy enough to satisfy all the energy demands of their own. The study in hand investigates the history of NZED as a new trend, in addition to tackling definitions based on previous work of other researchers. Consequently, the study presents a method of assessment to identify Net Zero Energy Districts. This highlights the most acknowledged renewable energy systems and strategies of energy efficiency. Following, the study discusses three case studies of NZED, both on the international, regional and local domains. Finally, the study concludes by providing recommendations of the ability to push the country toward utilizing more energy efficient projects, in addition to listing the main obstacles that prevent Net Zero Energy projects from being easily implemented in Qatar.