Since there have been built thousands of zero energy buildings around the world based on different technologies we can talk about their real advantages and compare their efficiency to standard buildings.

In terms of future legislative restrictions and very strict energy requirements beginning from 2019, it is important to say that it is far less expensive to improve energy efficiency during initial design than it is to do so through a reconstruction. The resale value of ZEB is also connected to energy costs increase. Once the costs increase, the value of house increase too.

Another big advantage is that net zero energy buildings are more comfortable due to more uniform temperature (base on isotherm maps).

Also, reduction of heating costs, depending on the geographic location, can dramatically decrease the total costs of living in a family house.

By 31 December 2018 EU Member States must ensure that all new buildings produce as much energy as they consume on-site. The idea is to introduce more efficient insulation for buildings to reduce the energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy on-site.

Existing buildings need to be upgraded in energy performance when undergoing renovations which cost more than 20% of their value or cover over a quarter of its surface would have to meet national energy efficiency requirements.

Finally, the proposal calls for the installation of smart meters. These smart meters should be installed in all new zero energy buildings, as well as when renovating the old ones.

The following buildings are excluded from these requirements: small houses (up to 50m2), buildings for religious activities and temporary buildings used for less than 18 months. Also buildings with low energy demand such as workshops and agricultural buildings and historic buildings where an energy-efficiency measure would “unacceptably alter their character”.

Welcome to our website about zero energy buildings! We do believe that our visitors will find daily updated information about low energy buildings, their design and technology.

During the next week, we are going to release our first pages about zero energy, low energy, passive and green houses. This will be followed with useful information about  design and technology used for these kinds of buildings.