nZEB as a concrete and affordable solution for public buildings
NEWS FROM EUROPE
07.01.2019
Written by Eurac Research
At European level, one of the main effort is the growth of the energy efficiency (EE) level of the building stock, reducing the energy consumptions and favouring the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES).
In the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2010/31/EU), the term Nearly Zero-Energy Building (commonly abbreviated as NZEB) was introduced and defined as a “building that has a very high energy performance… the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby” (Art. 2). The Directive states that, from January 2019 for public buildings and January 2021 for others, all new build construction should reach the target NZEB as defined at the national level.
Nevertheless, nZEB transition of the building sector is a complex theme and public authorities, as municipalities, need support to achieve the target, both for lack of technical knowledge and limited budget. eCentral project seeks to overcome these gaps, improving the energy efficiency of public buildings, developing a structured energy renovation approach, based on technical and financial tools for public authorities. The Living EPC Tool provides combinations of specific EE/RES measures for reaching nZEB status of public buildings during the whole building renovation process, while nZEB Decision support tool gives public investors a comprehensive guidance on how to prepare and structure nZEB projects for innovative financing schemes.
The eCentral project invites Slovenian, Croatian and Hungarian public representatives to participate at the “Coffee with mayor”, special events organized in order to present the opportunities and the tools offered to public authorities to achieve the nZEB target in new and renovated buildings.
During the “Coffee with mayor” meetings, eCentral support team will present the project goals, as:
- Energy Performance Certificate - EPC Tool for public authorities;
- opportunities to attend at the nZEB training programmes;
- deploy and promote innovative financing schemes;
- assist nZEB projects of public authorities, both for the definition of the energy efficiency renovation measures, use of RES, and financing scheme;
- develop building renovation strategies, establish cooperation with scientific institutions and other nZEB initiatives;
- develop and analyse National nZEB regulation.
Currently, three meetings have already been carried out with the Municipalities of Ajka, Szeged (Hungary) and Velenje (Slovenia). The participation has been successful, as, in all the meetings, has been confirmed an effective collaboration between the municipalities involved and the project partners, probably due to the effective needs of public administrations to receive support for developing a winning strategy to achieve the nZEB target.
If you are interested to receive additional information to participate at the “Coffee with mayors” events or other opportunities offered by the project, as nZEB trainings, please get in touch with the national contact partner of eCentral project!
