Promotion of near zero CO2 emission buildings due to energy use

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It is estimated that buildings contribute as much as one third of total European Union greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the use of fossil fuels and natural gas to cover heating, cooling and electricity needs of buildings. To address energy and climate related issues, the European Commission (EC) has set the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %, increasing the share of renewables in the EU's energy mix to 20 % and achieving the 20 % energy efficiency target by 2020. With Directive 2012 / 27 / EU Energy Efficiency produces a breakthrough in European policies. The objectives and tools of intervention and verification oblige member countries to immediately adopt a clear strategy for the improvement of the performances of the buildings. The EU Directive proposes that after 2020 all new buildings must be zero energy buildings and those buildings will also be Near zero CO2 emission buildings due to energy use (NZCO2EB). Although there has been much recent focus on measures to reduce the emissions from new buildings, the existing building stock remains largely untouched and many refurbishment projects miss opportunities to reduce emissions and deliver low CO2 buildings. The concept behind ZEROCO2 project is: - to define near zero CO2 emission buildings due to energy use (NZCO2EB) and present the various benefits which result from this type of building; - to work on the combination of different technologies and energy efficiency sources, which can be used in order to achieve the above-mentioned target; - to design state-of-the art policies, which will aim at promoting NZCO2EB at the local, regional and national level; - to present various financial tools in order to promote these types of buildings. The project partnership consists of bodies which are in the position to implement regional development policies in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

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