NET-ZERO ENERGY

CLASSROOM DESIGN

1. Explain your Net-Zero Energy Classroom Design output.

An environmentally friendly and energy-efficient method of creating learning environments that

generate as much energy as they need in a year is represented by the Net-Zero Energy Classroom Design.
To produce power and offer heating and cooling, this design focuses on combining renewable energy
sources including solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. To reduce energy usage, energy-
efficient lighting fixtures, insulation, and construction materials are also used. Energy management
programs and smart building technologies are also used to maximize energy consumption and track
energy performance in real time. Therefore, kids may learn about renewable energy, energy conservation,
and sustainable construction methods in a classroom setting that simultaneously lessens its carbon impact.

All the needed equipment and materials were presented to illustrate a normal daily classroom
which consists of an AC, computer, lights, recycling bins, and such. Thus, electricity was mainly used in
this type of classroom. The insertion of solar panels and wind mills as a representation of efficient usage
of electricity through the use of accessible source such as the sun and wind helps the structure become
economic and sustainable to the environment. It is to abuse the resources without causing harm to the
environment nor to anyone makes it a good suggestion for advocating efficiency and sustainability to the
environment.

In order to solve urgent global concerns pertaining to energy sustainability, mitigating climate
change, and environmental conservation, solar panels are essential. Solar panels allow for the production
of clean power without releasing greenhouse gas emissions or depleting limited natural resources by
utilizing the sun's plentiful and renewable energy. By reducing dependency on fossil fuels, this renewable
energy source helps fight air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and lessen the effects of climate change.
Furthermore, localized energy generation provided by solar panels helps communities become more
resilient and self-sufficient in the event of interruptions or power outages. Economically speaking, solar
panels can result in long-term energy bill savings and open up work chances in the expanding renewable
energy industry. Overall, solar panels play a pivotal role in transitioning towards a sustainable energy
future, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits for present and future generations.
 Recycling bins are essential for encouraging environmental sustainability because they offer a
specific area for gathering and classifying recyclables. By physically reminding people to separate trash
materials that can be recycled, such paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum, these bins help keep garbage out
of landfills and lessen the demand on the environment. These containers help save energy, cut greenhouse
gas emissions, and lessen pollution from the manufacturing of new materials by making recycling easier.
Recycling bins also encourage people to adopt sustainable behaviors and help preserve our world for
future generations by fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and awareness.

Compost bins play a crucial role in promoting sustainable waste management practices and
environmental conservation. By providing a controlled environment for organic waste decomposition,
compost bins facilitate the natural breakdown of biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich compost,
which can then be used to enrich soil and promote plant growth. This process reduces the amount of
organic waste sent to landfills, thereby mitigating methane emissions and alleviating pressure on waste
disposal facilities. Additionally, composting helps to close the nutrient cycle by returning valuable
organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and reducing the need for
chemical fertilizers. Compost bins are therefore essential tools for fostering a circular economy, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture and landscaping practices.

Rain collectors are crucial parts of sustainable water management systems, particularly in areas
where access to clean water sources is erratic or few. Rainwater runoff from roofs and other surfaces is
collected and stored by these systems, which offer an additional water supply for non-potable domestic
uses, gardening, and irrigation. Rainwater collectors lessen the burden on municipal water supply, lessen
dependency on limited freshwater resources, and lessen the effects of droughts and water shortages.
Furthermore, by lowering stormwater runoff—which may introduce pollutants and other contaminants
into natural water bodies—rain collectors support environmentally friendly activities and enhance the
health of ecosystems and the purity of the water. Overall, rain collectors play a crucial role in sustainable
water conservation efforts, promoting resilience against water scarcity and fostering environmental
stewardship.

Bicycling is a sustainable and green form of transportation that has several advantages for the
environment. Bicycles do not release any hazardous greenhouse gases or air pollutants that contribute to
air pollution and climate change, unlike vehicles and motorbikes. For short trips or commuting, people
may drastically lower their carbon footprint and lessen the damaging effects of transportation on the
environment by opting to ride a bicycle instead of driving a car. Furthermore, compared to motor
vehicles, bicycles use fewer resources for manufacture and maintenance, which lowers energy
consumption and resource depletion. Furthermore, promoting bicycling as a means of transportation
encourages the development of bike-friendly infrastructure such as bike lanes and parking facilities,
which not only improves road safety but also enhances urban air quality and reduces traffic congestion.
Overall, riding a bicycle is a simple yet effective way to protect the environment, reduce pollution, and
promote sustainable living.

The Green Building Code of the Philippines (GBCP), which encourages sustainable building
methods and energy efficiency in the nation, is closely aligned with the idea of a Net-Zero Energy
Classroom. The Green Building Council of Pakistan (GBCP) offers standards and recommendations for
building design, construction, and operation that minimize environmental impact and enhance energy
efficiency. The goals of the GBCP are naturally met by a Net-Zero Energy Classroom, which is built to
create as much energy as it uses and places a high priority on energy efficiency, renewable energy
integration, and sustainable construction materials. To reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, such
classrooms would often include elements like solar panels, effective insulation, energy-efficient
equipment, and passive design techniques.

2. What items are like those you have at home? Make a list of electricity-using

appliances around your houses and make suggestions for improving the energy

efficiency of any of these items.

We are currently using solar paneled light which we use every evening. Thus, it saves us a lot as
we are not required to turn our lights on every night. We also have compost bin and manages to use it on
our plants. One reason that actually makes us get used to its odor is we live near farm land as we usually
use natural fertilizers.

Lists of Electricity-Using Appliances:

 Refrigerator: To ensure efficiency, make sure the refrigerator is set at the ideal temperature
and clean the coils on a regular basis. Upgrade to a model that has earned the Energy Star
certification; these are made to use less energy while offering equivalent performance.
 Washing Machine: For maximum efficiency, use the washing machine when the loads are
full. To save electricity, use cold water wherever feasible and use the shortest suitable
 washing cycle. Think about buying a front-loading washer instead of a top-loading one
because they often consume less water and electricity.
 Television: Turn on the TV's energy-saving functions, such power-saving mode and
automatic brightness adjustment. Rather than keeping the TV in standby mode while not in
use, turn it off. Upgrade to a more recent model using LED or OLED technology; these TVs
often use less energy than plasma or LCD models.
 Laptop: Turn on your laptops' and PCs' power-saving features, such sleep mode and
automated shut-down after a certain amount of inactivity. When not in use, turn off displays.
Because laptops usually use less energy than desktop computers, think about switching to a
laptop.
 Lighting: Energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs, which consume substantially less energy and
have a longer lifespan than conventional incandescent lights, should be used instead. When
feasible, take advantage of natural light by opening your blinds or drapes during the day.

3. What is thrown away in your classroom that could be recycled?

Paper: Recycled paper products, such as handouts and worksheets, might be an alternative to throwing
them in the garbage. Recycling paper lessens the need to produce new paper and contributes to resource
conservation.

Cardboard: It is possible to recycle cardboard boxes, packaging materials, and other cardboard objects
used in educational activities. Reusing cardboard cuts down on the energy and waste that goes into
landfills when new cardboard is made.

Plastic Bottles and Containers: You may recycle plastic bottles used for water or other drinks, as well as
plastic containers used for snacks or supplies. Recycling plastic conserves resources and aids in the
decrease of plastic pollution.

Electronics: Computers, monitors, and other outdated or malfunctioning electronics should be recycled
via programs specifically designed to handle electronic trash. Recycling electronics makes it possible to
recover priceless metals and components while preventing harmful items from ending up in landfills.

Organic Waste: Rather than being thrown out, food scraps from activities or refreshments in the
classroom can be composted. In addition to producing nutrient-rich compost that may be used in
gardening or landscaping, composting organic waste lowers methane emissions from landfills.
4. Why do we connect the solar panels and wind turbine to the energy meter before going

to the lights and computer?

Connecting solar panels and wind turbines to the energy meter before routing the electricity to
lights and computers serves several important purposes. Firstly, the energy meter acts as a point of
measurement, allowing homeowners or businesses to accurately track the amount of electricity generated
by their renewable energy systems. This information is crucial for monitoring energy production,
evaluating system performance, and assessing the effectiveness of solar panels and wind turbines in
meeting energy needs.

Secondly, by connecting the renewable energy systems to the energy meter before distributing
electricity to lights and computers, any excess energy generated beyond immediate demand can be fed
back into the grid. This process, known as net metering or grid-tied systems, allows for the seamless
integration of renewable energy into the existing electrical grid infrastructure. Excess energy can be
credited to the owner's utility bill or stored for later use, promoting energy efficiency and reducing
reliance on fossil fuels.

Additionally, connecting solar panels and wind turbines to the energy meter before supplying
power to lights and computers ensures proper synchronization and coordination of electricity flow. This
helps to optimize energy management and ensure a stable and reliable power supply to electrical
appliances and devices. By prioritizing the energy meter as a central point of connection, homeowners
and businesses can effectively leverage renewable energy sources while maintaining control and visibility
over their energy consumption and production.

5. How could we store wind energy that is made at night to be used during the day?

Wind energy generated at night is stored for use during the day using a variety of energy storage
devices. Battery storage is a typical method in which excess power generated by wind turbines during off-
peak hours is stored in batteries such as lithium-ion or flow batteries and then discharged during peak
demand periods. Pumped hydroelectric storage is another method, which uses extra wind energy to push
water from a lower reservoir to a higher one and then releases it to create power as needed. Compressed
air energy storage uses extra wind energy to compress air, which is then stored underground and released
to power turbines at peak demand. Thermal energy storage can also be employed, which involves turning
surplus wind energy into heat and storing it in materials such as molten salt before generating steam for
power production. Furthermore, flywheel energy storage, hydrogen generation, and other new
technologies provide additional ways to store wind energy for later use, balancing its intermittent nature
and ensuring a consistent energy supply. Scalability, cost-effectiveness, and local environmental
constraints all influence the storage technology used.

6. What gathers more energy, wind turbines or solar panels?

The quantity of energy collected by wind turbines vs solar panels is determined by a variety of
factors, including location, weather conditions, and the unique wind or sunshine qualities in that area. In
general, wind turbines and solar panels are both viable renewable energy sources, although their
efficiency varies.
Wind turbines often produce more electricity in places with persistent and strong wind
conditions. Coastal regions, broad plains, and high sites are frequently ideal locations for wind energy
development. However, wind energy can be intermittent since wind patterns change over time.
Solar panels, on the other hand, perform best in areas with a lot of sunshine. Deserts and bright
climates produce more electricity from solar panels. Solar panels may generate electricity during the day,
even on gloomy days, but their production may be lowered under overcast situations.
Ultimately, the decision between wind turbines and solar panels is determined by considerations
such as geographic location, available space, and local weather patterns. In some circumstances, a
combination of wind and solar energy systems may be employed to increase renewable energy output.

7. Are there any other forms of renewable energy that you can use in your classroom?

In addition to solar and wind energy, there are several other forms of renewable energy that can
be utilized in a classroom setting to educate students about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Biomass energy may be shown by biomass combustion or biogas generation experiments. Biomass
energy is produced from organic resources like wood pellets, agricultural wastes, or even waste items.
Models or demonstrations of water turbines and hydropower systems can be used to demonstrate
hydroelectric power, which is produced from the kinetic energy of flowing water. Activities that describe
geothermal heat pumps or geothermal power plants can also be used to study geothermal energy, which is
the process of extracting heat from the Earth's interior. Through the integration of these many types of
renewable energy into the academic program, learners may acquire a thorough comprehension of
sustainable energy sources and their significance in reducing the effects of climate change.
8. List several ways how buildings can conserve energy and resources.

Passive Design Techniques: Use passive design concepts including optimum orientation, shading,
and natural ventilation to eliminate the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
Install energy-efficient lighting fixtures, such as LED lights, and use natural daylighting
whenever feasible, to reduce electricity consumption.
High-Performance Insulation: Use high-quality insulation materials in walls, roofs, and floors to
limit heat transfer and increase energy efficiency.
Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with
programmable thermostats and perform regular maintenance to improve performance.
Smart Building Automation: Use smart building automation systems to manage lighting, HVAC,
and other systems depending on occupancy, time of day, and environmental conditions.
Renewable Energy Integration: Use renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines,
or geothermal systems to create clean energy on-site while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Water Conservation: Install water-saving devices including low-flow toilets, faucets, and
showerheads, as well as rainwater collecting systems for irrigation and non-potable water.
Green Roofs and Walls: Use plants to increase insulation, minimize stormwater runoff, and offer
habitat for wildlife.
Sustainable Materials: To reduce environmental effect, use eco-friendly construction materials
such as recycled content, locally produced materials, and low-embodied energy goods.
Install energy-efficient windows and glass, including double or triple glazing, low-E coatings,
and thermal breaks, to limit heat loss and gain.
Occupant Behavior Education: Teach building occupants about energy-saving techniques such
turning off lights and equipment when not in use, regulating thermostat settings, and reducing
energy waste.
Building Envelope Optimization: Seal air leaks and optimize building envelopes to reduce heat
loss or gain, hence increasing overall energy efficiency.
Energy Monitoring and Management: Use energy monitoring systems to measure energy use and
find areas for improvement, allowing for more effective energy management tactics.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: Set up waste reduction and recycling programs to reduce landfill
trash and establish a circular economy within the facility.