Evaluating the Economic Feasibility of Designing Zero Carbon Envelope Buildings: A Case Study of a Commercial Building in Iran

The building sector's significant contribution to CO 2 emissions and its aggravating trend is recognized as a global challenge. Consequently, Zero Carbon Buildings' development could be a practical solution for compensating for these harmful environmental impacts. In this regard, the present study has tried to evaluate the economic feasibility of developing a Zero Carbon Envelope for non-residential buildings during the construction stage by analyzing a case study in Tehran (Iran's capital and largest city). Initially, CO 2 emissions during the materials' production, transportation, and in-site erection stage are assessed. Then, through developing the studied building's energy model, photovoltaic panels are used to compensate for the emitted CO 2 . Finally, after completing the energy simulation model, economic feasibility of developing a non-residential Zero Carbon Envelope building is assessed considering the governmental energy subsidies for power consumption, inflation rate, and PV panels' costs through various scenarios. Based on results, investing in ZCE buildings is not feasible considering the current criteria in Iran and modifying energy subsideries could be considered the most effective possible solutions (the payback period will be between 6 and 13 years). Graphical abstract