The path towards 2020: Nearly zero-energy buildings

The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive , in Article 9, requires Member State to ensure that by 31 December 2020, all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB) and after 31 December 2018, new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities are nearly zero-energy buildings. Member States shall draw up national plans for increasing the number of nearly zero-energy buildings and shall develop policies and take measures to stimulate the transformation of buildings that are refurbished into nearly zero-energy buildings. Article 2 of the EPBD defines a nearly zero-energy building to be a building with 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 produced on-site or nearby. The Member States are responsible for the practical application of the definition stated in Article 2 and have to document this in their national plans. The Concerted Action EPBD offers all EU Member States a platform for the exchange and discussion of national approaches, as well as of the challenges the countries face at defining the national application. Also policies and incentives to increase the number of NZEBs and ways to transform existing buildings into NZEBs are analysed in terms of their potential impact.