Readiness of Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs) implementation in the European Union

Abstract

The building sector plays a central role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU). The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets out ambitious requirements to make the EU building stock decarbonised by 2050. The proposal for a recast EPBD introduces Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) as the building target for all new buildings as of 2030. This paper offers insights into the concept of ZEB, analysing its key methodological aspects, with a focus on ambition, the role of energy efficiency, and the role of renewable energy. Additionally, the paper evaluates the performance levels of new buildings in EU Member States, highlighting the gaps between current Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings' performance levels and potential ZEB performance levels, specifically in terms of primary energy demand and renewable energy contribution. The findings emphasise the necessity to enhance initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and harnessing renewable energy sources to adopt the ambitious ZEB concept as of 2030. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of addressing GHG emissions comprehensively, extending beyond the operational phase of a building to include embodied impacts, in order to achieve a life-cycle zero-emission building stock.