Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings


More than twenty years ago, the European Commission presented the first studies on the importance of introducing energy performance of buildings.


The first specific Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings dates back to 2002, although already in the early 1990s it was mentioned in official documents.

The Directive now in force was modified in 2018 and completed by the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2155 of 14 October 2020.

​On 15 December 2021, the Commission presented a proposal to recast this Directive, in order to foresees that as of 1 January 2030, all new buildings, and as of 1 January 2027, all new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities, should be zero-emission buildings.

On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament adopted its position on the Commission's proposal.

Zero-emission building means a building that:
​
  • has a very high energy performance, meeting specific thresholds for its primary energy use
  • the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by energy from renewable sources generated on-site, from a renewable energy community or from a district heating and cooling system using only renewable energy and waste heat
  • the net non-renewable primary energy use shall be maximum zero
  • must not cause any on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels

​
Picture
Click to read the 2021 version
Picture
Click to read

The 2016 Guidelines


In 2016, the Commission developed guidelines for the promotion of nearly zero-energy buildings in order to ensure that by 2020, all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings.

In 2016, the Commission's Joint Research Centre also prepared a synthesis report on the national plans for nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs).

Nearly zero-energy buildings are moreover one of the topics addressed in the Concerted Action EPBD forum and an overview of national applications of the NZEB definitions (2018) is provided.
​
In 2019, a comprehensive study of building energy renovation activities and the uptake of nearly zero-energy buildings in the EU was prepared for the Commission. ​

National Plans


Here the nearly zero-energy buildings national plans of the EU countries, where they describe how they intend to increase the number of NZEBs,  to comply with the directive.
Member State
Last National Plan
AUSTRIA
Enter
BELGIUM
Enter
BULGARIA
Enter
CROATIA
Enter
CZECHIA
Enter
DENMARK
Enter
ESTONIA
Enter
FINLAND
Enter
FRANCE
Enter
GERMANY
Enter
GREECE
Enter
HUNGARY
Enter
IRELAND
Enter
ITALY
Enter
LATVIA
Enter
LITHUANIA
Enter
LUXEMBOURG
Enter
MALTA
Enter
NETHERLANDS
Enter
POLAND
Enter
PORTUGAL
Enter
ROMANIA
Enter
SLOVAKIA
Enter
SLOVENIA
Enter
SPAIN
Enter
SWEDEN
Enter
Cyprus
Enter
Synthesis of National Plans

In 2016, the Commission's Joint Research Centre also prepared a Synthesis report on the national plans for nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs).
Picture
Click to read

​2018 Overview of National Plans
​
Nearly zero-energy buildings are moreover one of the topics addressed in the Concerted Action EPBD forum and an overview of national applications of the NZEB definitions (2018) is provided.
​

2019 Comprehensive study

The  comprehensive study of building energy renovation activities and the uptake of nearly zero-energy buildings in the EU, by the Commission.

How to create a zero-energy building

A zero-emission building, also known as a zero-energy building or zero-impact building, is a type of building designed to have a net-zero energy balance on an annual basis. This means that the building must be highly energy-efficient and capable of producing all the energy it needs from local renewable sources.

Key features of a zero-emission building include:

1. Insulation: The building must be well-insulated to minimize heat or cooling losses, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

2. Energy Efficiency: Zero-emission buildings must be equipped with highly energy-efficient systems and appliances, such as LED lights, low-energy appliances, and high-performance heating and cooling systems.

3. Renewable Energy Sources: To generate clean and sustainable energy, zero-emission buildings must be equipped with solar panels, wind turbines, or other technologies to capture and convert renewable energy into electricity.

4. Energy Conservation: The use of energy conservation systems, such as heat recovery systems or energy storage systems, can help reduce waste and ensure more efficient utilization of the energy produced.

5. Smart Energy Management: The use of smart technologies and advanced control systems can optimize energy use in the building, such as automatically adjusting lighting and heating based on actual needs.

6. Sustainable Materials: Choosing sustainable and low-impact building materials is crucial to reduce the energy embodied in the building during the construction phase and ensure greater durability over time.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation: It is essential to carefully monitor the building's energy efficiency and renewable energy production to ensure that the net-zero energy balance is effectively achieved and maintained over time.

Zero-emission buildings represent a sustainable and responsible approach to design and construction, helping to reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable and ecologically balanced future.​