The aim of the ZEBISTIS project was to promote knowledge exchange and build a framework on so-called Zero-Emission Buildings. Zero Emission Buildings do not produce any harmful emissions. In opposed to that, they may even have positive environmental impacts by producing energy, water and resources. Decentralized innovative technologies and systems for the realization of Zero Emission Buildings were developed and successfully applied in Europe. However, due to the very limited number of case studies, there is still immense demand for applied research regarding the development, optimization and marketing of such systems, as well as regarding the international transferability of technology and system approaches. The overall aim of this interdisciplinary project with international partners and young scientists was to fill this gap by compiling the best practices from participating countries and by formulating a general framework for Zero Emission Buildings, which allows for inclusion of future technical development and societal insights. 

The specific objectives of Zero Emission Buildings are:

• To reduce the direct water footprint by up to 100% through on-site Water supply and waste Water management.
• To design and operate an up to 100% organic waste free building through collection of human waste and reuse as fertiliser.
• To attain net zero energy consumption through minimization of the buildings service energy demand, and local production, efficient utilisation, and storage of renewable energy.
• To integrate food production into the building with soil based and aquaponic systems in greenhouses, shelves and balconies.
• To create benefits through integration and creation of synergies between social, environmental and economical aspects.

Prof. Dr. Ing. Thorsten Schütze

Department of Architecture, Sungkyunkwan University
2066 Seobu-ro Jangan-gu Suwon-si
Gyeonggi-do 440-746
South Korea

Phone: +82 31-299-4763
Email: t.schuetze@skku.edu