Innovative cost-efficient solutions for zero-emission buildings

To demonstrate that high-quality and affordable zero-emission buildings, in line with the Proposed Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, can be delivered and mainstreamed. With new buildings already required to be nearly-zero energy buildings, the focus is on how to achieve zero emissions, zero or positive energy standards and how to reduce embodied emissions, also storing CO₂ where possible (using recycled, zero-carbon, or sustainably sourced construction materials acting as carbon sinks).

Proposals are expected to address all of the following:

• Demonstrate innovative construction approaches and scalable solutions based on integrated existing solutions into standardised packages for a cost-effective construction of (new) zero-emission buildings, in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
• Ensure the approaches demonstrated:
  • Allow to achieve zero or positive energy standards and to reduce embodied emissions, also storing carbon where possible, using recycled, zero-carbon or sustainably sourced carbon-storing construction materials.
  • rely on mature construction products and materials, and technical building systems, seeking to deliver solutions that are ready for application and use, in view of significantly enhancing the energy performance of buildings.
  • address all components of buildings (envelope, technical building systems, on-site renewable energy – e.g. BIPV – and, where relevant, electric vehicle charging points).
  • are rooted in local and regional value chains for sourcing of buildings components and for involvement and upskilling of local and regional businesses.
  • are tailored for the applicable regulatory framework: EU, national, and (where relevant) regional and local level.
  • have strong potential for replication across Europe, in particular by construction SMEs.
• Demonstrations that include at least three real-life new construction projects, of which one at least should target public buildings.
• Ensure that the demonstrations:
  • Cover at least three countries, with diverse climatic conditions and architectural patterns.
  • Involve local and regional values chains, in particular SMEs, based on participatory approaches to increase innovation acceptability.
  • Lead to clear and, where relevant, quantified and measurable indicators on the results achieved.
• An ambitious EU-wide dissemination roadmap addressing all relevant stakeholders (in particular businesses and authorities) to:
  • promote the zero-emission buildings innovative construction approaches demonstrated.
  • share guidance and recommendations on best practices for zero-emission construction.
  • provide feedback to policy makers at EU, national, and (where relevant) regional and local level regarding the deployment of innovative and cost efficient solutions for constructing zero-emission buildings.