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Cost Optimal and Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB). Definitions, Calculation Principles and Case Studies / ed. by Jarek Kurnitski. Springer, 2013, 176 p. (Series: Green Energy and Technology)http://www.springer.com/energy/energy+efficiency/book/978-1-4471-5609-3Publisher's presentation :Introduces cost optimality and nearly zero energy principles to wider audience, including decision makers in public and private sector, engineers, students etcGives technical definitions and system boundaries needed for energy calculations of such buildingsDiscusses energy calculation input data and availability and suitability of calculation methodsCost optimal and nearly zero energy performance levels are principles initiated by the European Union’s (EU) Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which was recast in 2010. These will be major drivers in the construction sector in the next few years, because all new buildings in the EU from 2021 onwards are expected to be nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB).This book introduces the technical definitions, system boundaries, energy calculation methodology and input data needed to set primary energy based minimum/cost optimal and nZEB requirements in national energy frames. Worked examples are provided to illustrate the calculation of delivered, exported and primary energy, and renewable energy contribution. Five case studies of high performance nZEB office buildings across Europe are reported to show alternative technical solutions and to draw some general design rules based on completed nZEB buildings. Specific features of the nZEB design process, especially in the early stages, and architectural competitions are included. These describe important design issues in the scoping and conceptual design phase, allowing design streams to be controlled so that specified targets can be met.