Zero-emission buildings, i.e. the future of construction in the context of EU regulations

The construction industry is facing fresh challenges and objectives in light of the growing ecological consciousness and the imperative to combat climate change. In response to these challenges, the European Union is implementing progressively stricter regulations and objectives aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the responsible utilization of natural resources. Within this framework, the notion of zero-emission buildings is not just a top priority but a fundamental component of the construction sector’s future.

EU legislation, including pivotal directives such as the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive and the ambitious targets outlined in the European Green Deal, chart a clear course towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Within this context, zero-emission buildings emerge as a particularly crucial element in the quest to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Member States are obligated to institute measures that enhance the energy efficiency of existing structures and promote environmentally sustainable construction standards.

In our forthcoming article, we will delve into the fundamental principles of zero-emission buildings within the framework of EU regulations. We will examine how modifications to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) might impact the market and the everyday lives of citizens. Moreover, we will explore the potential of zero-emission building development for shaping the future of the entire European construction sector.

What is a zero-emission building?

Zero-emission buildings, as outlined by the European Commission, represent a paradigm shift in construction. They are characterized by exceptionally high energy efficiency, designed and equipped to minimize energy consumption while exclusively sourcing all energy needs from renewable sources. Crucially, the name “zero emission” underscores a vital aspect: the absence of local carbon dioxide emissions resulting from fossil fuel use.

This concept of zero-emission buildings embodies a revolutionary approach to building design, construction, and operation, with the ultimate goal of entirely eliminating greenhouse gas emissions associated with their use. This encompasses not only energy efficiency but also the adoption of renewable energy sources, alongside the integration of cutting-edge technologies and environmentally-friendly materials.

The future of the construction industry is steering us towards buildings with these groundbreaking attributes due to several critical factors. Projections suggest that by 2060, the global building area will double, necessitating the exploration of more sustainable and efficient solutions. Presently, only 3% of investments in new construction meet emission and efficiency criteria, but this trend may undergo significant transformation, especially within the European Union.

The prominence of issues related to zero-emission buildings in the upcoming years is underpinned by several crucial factors. Notably, the European Union is resolutely committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Consequently, it has introduced a series of regulations that establish benchmarks for the construction sector. One significant development is that, starting from January 1, 2026, new buildings owned or occupied by public institutions will be mandated to adhere to the zero-emission standard.

The initial phase in implementing these pioneering zero-emission standards is the concept of “nearly zero energy buildings.” In practical terms, this signifies that such buildings will have exceptionally low energy consumption, met entirely by renewable sources. This marks a significant shift in the way we approach the design, construction, and operation of buildings, bringing us closer to the realization of zero-emission buildings.

Features typical of zero-emission buildings according to energy consumption. EC

A near-zero energy building (NZEB) is characterized by its remarkable energy efficiency. In practice, this implies that the amount of energy required for the operation of such a building is nearly zero or exceptionally low. A crucial aspect in meeting this standard is the extensive utilization of renewable energy sources, which can encompass both on-site renewable energy generation and sourcing from nearby renewable sources.

Buildings with nearly zero energy consumption encapsulate a range of solutions outlined in a diagram devised by the European Commission. These solutions encompass various elements, such as:

• Roof insulation – which helps retain heat inside the building.
• Air filtration and ventilation systems – which ensure a clean and healthy indoor environment.
• Effective and economical lighting and heating systems – which minimize energy consumption.
• Installed photovoltaic panels – which obtain solar energy and convert it for the needs of the building.
• Highly efficient windows – which effectively insulate the interior against heat loss.
• Energy-saving electronics and household appliances – which consume less energy.
• Intelligent thermostat – which regulates the temperature in an optimized way.
• Charger for electric vehicles.

In the pursuit of achieving zero emissions in the construction industry, the European Commission adheres to a fundamental principle: “energy efficiency first.” This approach not only serves to diminish reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy self-sufficiency but also underscores the significance of curbing energy production.

The EU imposes specific mandates on the construction sector, including the requirement to calculate the global warming potential across the entire lifecycle of buildings. Consequently, this factor must be factored into the energy performance evaluations of buildings.

In practical terms, this implies that during the construction of each building, it becomes imperative to select materials that exert the least possible adverse impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

What does it look like in the context of the EU regulations changed this year?

Recent modifications to the regulations governing zero-emission buildings, specifically the amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), are currently the focal point of discussions within the Fit For 55 package. This comprehensive package aims to align EU legislation with the ambitious objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030, relative to 1990 levels.

The revised directive notably strengthens the existing legislation regarding the emission intensity of buildings and underscores the imperative of monitoring CO2 emissions throughout a building’s entire lifecycle. Both buildings themselves and the constituent construction elements and materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions before, during, and after their use, primarily due to the carbon content in all construction materials employed in building construction. The amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive place significant emphasis on these factors and their implications.

These directive changes also signal that the existing regulations governing the production of construction materials will undergo revision. This sends a resounding message to the entire construction materials and technologies industry. The planned trajectory indicates that future production of building materials will increasingly prioritize environmental and ecological considerations.

But what is worth paying attention to in the context of the planned changes themselves?

One of the pivotal elements of the new directive, in addition to the pursuit of zero-emission buildings, is the phased-out elimination of heating systems reliant on fossil fuels. The anticipated deadline for replacing traditional furnaces and boilers is likely to fall around 2040. However, even earlier, potentially as soon as 2024, there’s an expectation to terminate public subsidies for the acquisition of new coal and gas-fired installations, marking a substantial shift in the regulatory landscape.

For Poland, this transition may not represent a dramatic change, partly due to the suspension of support for coal boilers at the outset of 2022 and a notable decrease in the share of gas installations in the government’s “Clean Air” program, driven by elevated costs and uncertainties in the gas market.

Complementing a comprehensive building modernization program, the new regulations also introduce more stringent standards for newly constructed structures. Starting from 2028, newly erected buildings in the European Union will be required to adhere to emission-free criteria. If technically and economically feasible, these properties will need to be equipped with solar panels and heat pumps. In the case of public buildings, this mandate, as previously mentioned, will take effect even earlier, commencing in 2026. Furthermore, residential buildings undergoing extensive renovation should achieve zero-emission status by 2032.

Another noteworthy change related to EU mandates is the introduction of energy certificates for buildings, which will categorize buildings from class A (denoting emission-free structures) to class G (indicating low energy efficiency).

Zero-emission buildings – what does the market think about it?

The ramifications of the assumptions laid out in the EPBD Directive are undeniably poised to have a profound impact on the construction market. This is evident not only through online searches but also in political campaign rhetoric and concerns voiced by industry experts. However, it’s important to recognize that these changes do not necessarily have to be negative.

In practice, the new regulations entail a shift in how building materials are developed. Equally important is how they will respond to the demands of building modernization. It is anticipated that the industry will need to adapt its products to meet requirements related to activities like thermal modernization of existing building structures. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of building materials will increasingly come under scrutiny in the coming years, compelling manufacturers to reconsider what they produce and how they produce it.

In the context of constructing new buildings and renovating the existing building stock (bearing in mind that 75% of buildings in the EU exhibit low energy efficiency), it becomes evident which building materials and technologies will be encouraged in various construction sectors, particularly in residential construction.

It’s also worth noting that Poland is among the last European Union countries that have yet to implement energy class labels on residential building signs. This is significant because there is a notable difference in heating costs between buildings with different energy classes, such as class A compared to classes F or G.

The difference in heating costs between buildings with varying energy efficiency can indeed be substantial, with costs for less energy-efficient buildings potentially reaching 5-6 times higher. Moreover, buildings with higher energy class ratings, particularly those in category A, come with additional advantages. These include the possibility of securing better credit terms and facilitating easier and more lucrative property sales, as highlighted by Paweł Lachman, President of the Polish Organization for the Development of Heat Pump Technology (PORT PC).

Consequently, investing in buildings with high energy efficiency holds the potential for substantial savings on heating expenses and offers financial benefits through improved credit conditions and heightened property values in the market.

The directive underscores the necessity to increase the utilization of more sustainable materials, such as biological and geological materials. It also underscores the significance of employing passive techniques and local construction methods. These measures are intended to support and promote material technologies that ensure effective thermal insulation and facilitate the construction and renovation of energy-efficient buildings. Achieving this objective will entail the replacement of greenhouse gas-emitting materials, such as with wood. While this may, or may not, significantly affect the prices of construction materials and existing buildings, it will undoubtedly stimulate changes in the approach to building and design.