# Real world energy and carbon costs of net-zero energy buildings

## TL;DR

Net-zero energy building renovations may cause energy grid issues and summer overheating, according to a study on a Dutch neighborhood.

## Contribution

The study reveals that net-zero energy renovations can result in net-positive energy buildings with potential grid and thermal challenges.

## Key findings

- Net-zero energy renovations can lead to net-positive energy buildings.
- Renovations may cause energy grid strain and summer overheating.
- Residential building energy analysis informs future deep energy-saving refurbishment performance.

## Abstract

Findings from a recent publication in Energy and Buildings show that “net-zero energy” renovations can lead to net-positive energy buildings. But the results also raise concerns for the energy grid and overheating in the summer. The analysis of energy consumption of residential buildings give insight into future performance of a Dutch neighborhood’s deep energy-saving refurbishments.