The Solar House – A nearly Zero Energy Building at Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

The Solar House developed by the public entity of Transylvania University of Brasov in Romania is focused on contributing to the reduction of energy demand, as well as to the increase of the energy efficiency, and renewable energy production and it constitutes an intervention which is consistent with the policy conducted by the university, but also with the objectives set forth by Brasov County Council`s Strategy such as diminishing CO2 emissions and developing nZEB. The Solar House addressed problems related to the high share of fossil fuels used in a built environment, the depletion of these resources and increase of environmental pollution generating important climate changes. The Solar House goes beyond mere energy efficiency; it serves as a dynamic teaching and research facility, providing invaluable hands-on learning experiences for students specializing in renewable energy engineering. The building's design combines passive solar strategies, such as maximizing natural light and solar gain through strategic window placement, with an advanced renewable energy system. This system encompasses a geothermal heat pump for heating and cooling, solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water, a photovoltaic system for electricity generation, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the building's carbon footprint. The resulting drastic reduction in energy consumption demonstrates the tangible benefits of a holistic approach to sustainable building design.