integrating renewable microgrids with passive architectural design and carbon reduction strategies for developing net-zero energy in green cities and green universities

Creating green cities and universities with net zero energy emissions is a global priority. existing approaches sometimes fail to collect the necessary components individually and do not adequately fill the gaps. the present study fills this gap by providing a comprehensive framework that integrates renewable energies into building systems, including microgrids and passive components, along with carbon reduction strategies. the originality of the research lies in providing a quantitative and integrated model for the synergy of these components. the research methodology is based on one-year hourly simulations, gis data, and climate information. building performance is modeled with energy plus software and a multi objective optimization approach is applied to simultaneously integrate energy indicators, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic criteria. the results show that the proposed approach is effective in reducing energy consumption and grid electricity imports. in the university example, a 200kw photovoltaic system generates approximately 240,000 kwh per year, of which 168,000 kwh is consumed onsite. a 400kwh battery also transfers approximately 40,000 kwh per year and demonstrates coordinated discharge and charge performance. this integration has resulted in a significant reduction in operational carbon emissions. optimal design parameters and decision support tools are provided for stakeholders. the research provides a practical and scalable tool for developing net-zero energy that can help architects, urban planners, and policymakers advance sustainable cities and universities.