Nearly Zero: A review of EU Member State implementation of new build requirements

Since the beginning of 2021, all new buildings constructed within the EU must be nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs), according to Article 9 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU (EPBD). The Directive further stipulates that all new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities constructed after 31 December 2018 must be nZEBs.

This briefing provides an overview of the status of implementation of Article 9 across EU Member States and insights into how nZEB standards in Member States are aligned with the requirements of the EPBD. The aim of this research is to inform ongoing policy discussions and consultations on the revision of the EPBD, as well as the wider EU climate policies and strategies, notably the EU Green Deal and 2050 climate neutrality strategy as they pertain to the building sector.

Based on the information presented in this factsheet, there is a wide degree of disparity across Member States in terms of the implementation of the nZEB provisions in Article 9 of the EPBD. These differences are important considerations for EU policymakers as they look towards a revision of the EPBD, given the potential for nZEBs to contribute to the EU’s wider objective of a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050. The factsheet concludes with a set of recommendations both for the European Commission and Member States.