Key Indicators & Decisions (KI&Ds) – NEW BUILDINGS

Austria

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Residential: absolute kWh/m² primary energy indicator (E_spec) + relative primary energy indicator (E_W)

Non-residential: relative primary energy indicator (E_W)

Primary energy factors:

• Electricity: 1.90
• District heating: 0.85
• Other: 1.0

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

Greece

• Reference buildings
• Maximum heating and cooling needs
• Maximum non-renewable primary energy

Building Act 50/1976 as amended is in the process of revision, respectively drafting of a new law by the end of 2021.

The last amendment to the EPB Act and the accompanying Ministerial Decree applies as of 10 March 2020.

New buildings must meet a performance target set as greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂).

Targets are defined by applying a published guidance to calculate CO₂ emissions for a ‘notional building’ which the actual building must not exceed.

The current 2020/21 review will introduce a primary energy target as the principal compliance metric.

Individual elements within a new building must also meet minimum performance standards. This provision covers all building fabric elements and technical building systems installed.

Domestic buildings: Building Standards Technical Handbook 2019: domestic. Scottish Government, September 2019. Available at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2019-domestic/

Non-domestic buildings: Building Standards Technical Handbook 2019: non-domestic. Scottish Government, September 2019. Available at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2019-non-domestic/

Austria

f_GEE ≤ 0.80

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019, clause 3.1

f_GEE = relation between final energy demand of the building and final energy demand of the corresponding reference building

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Since 2020: E-level E35

Includes: heating, cooling, hot water, auxiliaries, local production

Requirements are established for residential buildings heated and/or cooled at indoor temperature of 18⁰C or higher:

• Maximum permitted annual energy needs for heating per unit of the usable floor area of a building (Q",_Hnd)
• Maximum permitted U-value
• Maximum permitted annual primary energy consumption per unit of the usable floor area of a building (E" _prim)
• Maximum permitted annual energy needs for cooling per unit of the usable floor area of a building (Q" _C,nd)
• Share of RES

Primary energy includes the heating and cooling energy needs, energy for ventilation and domestic hot water

E"_prim [kWh/(m²·year)]

Multi-family houses

continental        120

littoral                90

Family houses

continental         115

littoral                70

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

The maximum values depend on the building type and, for single‐family houses, also on the area of the building.

Calculations include also thermal comfort requirements, indoor‐air quality requirements and airtightness, thermal bridges and shading devices.

Please note that these requirements equal NZEB requirements.

See Table 3.

- A maximum non-renewable primary energy demand which is determined individually for each building using a reference building with similar geometry, orientation and use, but with a certain quality of all energy-relevant systems and components

AND

- A requirement for the energy performance of the building’s thermal envelope which is determined by using the reference building approach

The reference building approach is used.

In addition, a minimum quota of RES is used for heating, domestic hot water and cooling; the quota is different for the different technologies.

Greece

U values

Specific heat loss coefficient:

q=1/V(ΣAU + ΣlΨ - (Qsd+Qsid)/72)

Total primary energy factor:

Ep=EH+EDHW+EV+EC+EL+ETR

Cost-optimal and nZEB after 2020.

3 basic and 3 supplementary requirement levels:

-U-values of building envelope elements

-Specific heat loss coefficient

-Total primary energy factor

-Summer overheating

-Technical building system elements

-Minimum share of RES (only nZEB)

Better energy indexes (listed below) than the corresponding values of the “reference building” 2015 (new values from 2021):

• Global EP_gl index [kWh/m²] (heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation services)
• Specific energy needs for heating and cooling
• Efficiencies of the technical systems (h_H, h_C, h_W, h_V)

Additional limits for the building envelope:

• H’T Transmission heat transfer coefficient
• Summer effective solar area
• Mass of external walls (or, alternatively, their periodical transmittance)
• U-values of inter-building walls/floors

RES integration (+10% for public buildings)

• 50% share for heating, cooling and domestic hot water
• 50% share only for domestic hot water
• Electric power installed per building footprint unit surface [kW/m²]: 0.02

In the case the required RES integration should not be feasible, the building has to respect a proportionally lower EP_gl limit value

• Minimum requirements are defined according to the 'reference building', being a virtual building which has the same localisation and is geometrically equivalent to that considered in the project, but with thermo-physical characteristics corresponding to the minimum energy requirements in force.
• EP indices are expressed in non-renewable and in total primary energy [kWh/m²].
• Energy parameters of the reference building are listed in Tables 2 and 3 of the Italian Country Report 2020.
• Summer effective solar area limits are illustrated in Table 5 of the Italian Country Report 2020.
• H’_T limits are illustrated in Table 4 of the Italian Country Report 2020.

Minimum permissible level of energy performance of buildings, energy performance assessment for heating of new buildings:

For multi-apartment buildings
≤ 60 kWh/m² per year

For one-apartment or two-apartment buildings
≤ 70 kWh/m² per year

Minimum energy performance requirements (building heat transfer coefficient and U values) (normative / maximal):

For residential buildings + hospitals + kindergartens + homes for elderly:

Roofs – 0.15 k / 0.20 k

Floors – 0.15 k / 0.20 k

Walls – 0.18 k / 0.23 k

Windows – 1.30 k / 1.80 k

Doors – 1.80 k / 2.30 k

Thermal bridges – 0.10 k / 0.15 k

Minimum permissible level of energy performance of buildings is set in Regulation No. 383 Annex 5 which provides a timeframe for requirements to achieve nearly zero-energy level as minimum energy performance level for all new buildings since 2021.

Minimum energy performance requirements for heat transfer coefficient and for U values are set in Cabinet Regulation No. 339 of 30 June 2015 ‘Regulations of Latvian Building Code LBN 002‐15 - Thermal requirements of the buildings envelopes’ (LBN 002‐15).

LBN 002-15 requirements for new buildings are the same as for renovations.

k – temperature factor

U values (normative / maximum)

Included in the Buildings Decree as of 1 January 2015

As of 1 January 2021, the following three requirements will be applicable:

1. maximum energy need (kWh/m².year)
2. maximum primary energy use (kWh/m².year)
3. minimum share of renewable energy [%]

Values for primary energy & share of renewables can be found in Table 4.

There are two methods for fulfilling the requirements: specific energy limits set in kWh/m² per year net energy need, or specific component requirements, in total 9 measures.

Regardless of the method chosen, a set of absolute minimum requirements must also be fulfilled.

In addition, all buildings larger than 1,000 m² shall have flexible heating systems, normally waterborne, and must be prepared for low-temperature heating distribution. Single-family houses need to have a chimney flue unless flexible heat distribution is installed. Installation of fossil fuel-based heating systems is not allowed.

Net energy demand (kWh/m² per year): Single-family house/row house etc: 100 + 1,600/m² heated floor area, Apartment buildings: 95

Component requirements:

Max U-value: exterior wall 0.18 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: roof 0.13 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: exposed floors 0.10 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: windows/doors 0.80 W/(m²K)

Thermal bridges (max linear U-value)

W/(m²K): (0.05 for houses and 0.007 for apartment buildings)

Minimum efficiency of heat recovery in ventilation air: 80%

Minimum airtightness (Max air changes/hour at 50 Pa pressure difference) 0.6

Max SFP factor 1.5 kW/(m³/s)

____

Absolute minimum requirements:

Max U-value: exterior wall 0.22 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: roof 0.18 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: exposed floors 0.18 W/(m²K)

Max U-value: windows/doors 1.20 W/(m²K)

Minimum airtightness (Max air changes/hour at 50 Pa pressure difference) 1.5

I1 – 73 kWh_ep/m²

I2 – 97 kWh_ep/m²

I3 – 140 kWh_ep/m²

Since 1 January 2016, standardised requirements on ultra-low level of construction have been set; requirements meet the cost-optimal levels of minimum requirements on EPB.

Since 1 January 2021, standardised requirements on NZEB construction level have been set.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 1.0); heat recovery min. 60%; global indicator kWh/(m².year) class A1: apartment buildings less than 63, family houses less than 108.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 0.85); heat recovery min. 60%; use of RES; global indicator kWh/(m².year) class A0. If the NZEB exports or stores energy, it is classified in subclass A0⁺.

EPB calculations are according to STN EN ISO standards, climatic and indoor conditions according to national STN standards.

To support the implementation of the Building Regulations, “Approved Documents” (ADs) have been published. The ADs set out five criteria for new buildings:

1. For all buildings: achieve a Target CO₂ Emission Rate. In addition, for residential buildings: achieve a Target Fabric Energy Efficiency, which reflects space heating and cooling demand in kWh/m²/year.
2. Meet design flexibility limits, including minimum fabric standards and building services efficiencies.
3. Limit heat gains in summer including the effect of shading devices.
4. Ensure that the building performance is consistent with design calculations. Focus on air permeability, commissioning of services and thermal bridges.
5. Provide information for energy‐efficient building operation.

Residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L1A. HM Government, 2013 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540326/BR_PDF_AD__L1A__2013_with_2016_amendments.pdf

Wales adopted four “Approved Documents” which provide a route to comply with Building Regulations. Five criteria are set for new residential and non‐residential buildings:

1. Ensure that the calculated Building CO₂ Emission Rate is no greater than the target.

For non‐residential buildings only, ensure that the Building Primary Energy Consumption is not greater than the target.

1. Meet limits on design flexibility, including minimum fabric standards and building services efficiencies.
2. Ensure appropriate passive control measures to limit summer heat gains, including the effect of shading devices and comfort assessment.
3. Ensure the “as built” building performance (including fabric and fixed building services) is consistent with design calculations.

5. Provide information for energy efficient building operation.

Residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L1A. Welsh Government, 2014 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-05/building-regulations-guidance-part-l-conservation-of-fuel-and-power-2014-l1a-new-dwellings.pdf

Technical Booklets F1 and F2 support the implementation of the Building Regulations Part F. The booklets set five criteria for new domestic units and non-domestic buildings:

1. Ensure the calculated Building CO₂ Emission Rate does not exceed the Target Emission Rate.
2. Meet minimum acceptable standards, including minimum fabric, air permeability, and building services efficiencies standards.
3. Limit the effects of summer solar gains. This references industry best practice e.g. CIBSE TM37 “Design for improved solar shading control”.
4. Ensure the building performance is consistent with design calculations. Focus on air permeability, commissioning of services and thermal bridges.
5. Provide instructions for energy efficient building operation and maintenance.

Domestic buildings:

Technical Booklet F1, Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings, Department of Finance and Personnel, October 2012. Available at:

https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/Technical-booklet-F1-Conservation%20of%20fuel%20and%20power%20in%20dwellings-October-2012.pdf

Technical Handbooks support the implementation of Building Regulations energy requirements and set out ten criteria for new domestic and non‐domestic buildings.

1. Ensure the Building CO₂ Emission Rate (BER) is no greater than the Target Emission Rate (TER). TER is set using a notional building specification which includes a low carbon equipment element e.g. photovoltaic panels.
2. Reduce heat losses through the envelope (including minimum fabric performance, thermal bridging and air permeability). Scottish Accredited Construction Details for linear thermal bridging are available and airtightness testing is generally required.
3. Energy efficient space heating and hot water systems, including controls, minimum performance, etc.
4. Minimum insulation levels for pipes, ducts and vessels.
5. Energy efficient lighting (e.g. minimum 60 lamp lumens/circuit‐watt in offices) and controls.
6. Reduce overheating (e.g. through the proportion and orientation of translucent glazing, solar shading/control, thermal mass, etc.) and ensure energy efficient mechanical ventilation and air‐conditioning (AC) and controls.
7. Commissioning of building services to achieve optimum energy efficiency.
8. Information for building occupiers on the operation and maintenance of building services and energy supply.
9. The provision of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

10. Metering of fuel and power of buildings (or parts) and of end‐uses (non-domestic building only).

Domestic buildings:

Building Standards Technical Handbook 2019: domestic. Scottish Government, September 2019. Available at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2019-domestic/

Austria

f_GEE ≤ 0.80

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019 clause 3.2.

f_GEE = relation between final energy demand of the building and final energy demand of the corresponding reference building

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

At this point in time, with non-residential units we refer to offices and schools only.

C= compactness

The ‘X’ is a reference net heating requirement that has been designed for EPB-units whose poor orientation or compactness makes it unfeasible to enforce compliance with a net heating energy requirement of 15kWh/m².year

Interpolation based on surfaces between E_W ≤ 65 and E_W ≤ 90, depending on functional parts present in the unit

Requirements are established for non-residential buildings heated and/or cooled at indoor temperature of 18⁰C or higher:

• Maximum permitted Q",_Hnd
• Maximum permitted U-value
• Maximum permitted E"_prim
• Maximum permitted Q" _C,nd
• Share of RES

Primary energy includes the heating and cooling energy needs, energy for ventilation, domestic hot water and lighting for non-residential buildings.

E"_prim / [kWh/(m²·year)]

Offices

continental         70

littoral                70

Educational

continental         65

littoral                60

Hospitals

continental         300

littoral                300

Wholesale and retail trade services

continental         450

littoral                280

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

The maximum values depend on the building type and, for single‐family houses, also on the area of the building.

Calculations include also thermal comfort requirements, indoor‐air quality requirements and airtightness, thermal bridges, and shading devices.

Please note that these requirements equal NZEB requirements.

See Table 3.

- A maximum non-renewable primary energy demand which is determined individually for each building using a reference building with similar geometry, orientation and use, but with a certain quality of all energy-relevant systems and components

AND

- A requirement for the energy performance of the building’s thermal envelope which is determined by a certain set of maximum U-values for opaque and transparent U-values respecting the design indoor temperature of the building’s zones

The reference building approach is used.

In addition, a minimum quota of RES is used for heating, domestic hot water and cooling; the quota is different for the different technologies.

Greece

Minimum permissible level of energy performance of buildings, energy performance assessment for heating of new buildings:

For non-residential buildings
≤ 90 kWh/m2 per year

Minimum energy performance requirements (building heat transfer coefficient and U values) (normative / maximum):

For non-residential buildings - hospitals - kindergartens - homes for elderly:

Roofs – 0.20 k / 0.25 k

Floors – 0.20 k / 0.25 k

Walls – 0.20 k / 0.25 k

Windows – 1.40 k / 1.80 k

Doors – 2.00 k / 2.50 k

Thermal bridges – 0.15 k / 0.20 k

For industrial buildings:

Roofs – 0.25 k / 0.35 k

Floors – 0.30 k / 0.40 k

Walls – 0.25 k / 0.30 k

Windows – 1.60 k / 1.80 k

Doors – 2.20 k / 2.70 k

Thermal bridges – 0.30 k / 0.35 k

Minimum permissible level of energy performance of buildings is set in Regulation No. 383 Annex 5 which provides a timeframe for requirements to achieve nearly zero-energy level as minimum energy performance level for all new buildings since 2021.

Minimum energy performance requirements for heat transfer coefficient and for U values are set in Cabinet Regulation No. 339 of 30 June 2015 ‘Regulations of Latvian Building Code LBN 002‐15 - Thermal requirements of the buildings envelopes’ (LBN 002‐15).

LBN 002-15 requirements for new buildings are the same as for renovations.

k – temperature factor

U values (normative / maximum)

Certain components of the Buildings Decree 2012 (Bb) were amended on 24 November 2015. The following amendments were made to the Building Decree. 

The following definition was added to Article 1.1:

“Nearly zero energy building: building with a very high energy performance, where the very low or near zero energy consumption required is delivered from renewable sources to a very significant extent and which is produced on site or close by”

The following new paragraphs were added to Article 5.2:

“Article 5.2, paragraph five stipulates that new buildings owned by the government and which house government agencies shall be nearly zero energy. This paragraph shall enter into force on 1 January 2019.”

“Article 5.2, paragraph six stipulates that new buildings different from the buildings referred to in paragraph five shall be nearly zero energy. This paragraph shall enter into force on 31 December 2020.”

Values for primary energy & share of renewables can be found in Table 4.

For non-residential buildings one can only choose the specific energy limit option. There are 11 categories with specific energy limits for each.

In addition, all buildings larger than 1,000 m² shall have flexible heating systems, normally waterborne, and must be prepared for low-temperature heating distribution. Single-family houses need to have a chimney flue, unless flexible heat distribution is installed. Installation of heating systems prepared for fossil fuels is not allowed.

Net energy demand (kWh/m² heated floor area per year)

Kindergarten      135

Office Building   115

Schools  110

Universities        125

Hospitals           225 (265)

Nursing homes   195 (230)

Hotels               170

Sports facilities  145

Commercial building      180

Cultural buildings           130

Light industries/workshops 140 (160)

___

The same minimum requirements as above have to be fulfilled.

Requirements within parenthesis applies where heat recovery of ventilation air increases the risk of spreading contaminated air or infections.

If electricity is produced on the property (more than 20 kWh/m² per year), the specific energy limit can be exceeded by 10 kWh/m² per year (for all categories)

I1 – 312 kWh_ep/m²

I2 – 256 kWh_ep/m²

I3 – 346 kWh_ep/m²

Since 1 January 2016, standardised requirements on ultra-low level of construction have been set; requirements meet the cost-optimal levels of minimum requirements on EPB.

Since 1 January 2021, standardised requirements on NZEB construction level have been set.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 1.0); heat recovery min. 60%; global indicator – primary energy in kWh/(m².year) class A1: e.g. office buildings less than 122, schools less than 68.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 0.85); heat recovery min. 60%; use of RES; global indicator kWh/(m².year) class A0: e.g. office buildings less than 61, schools less than 34. If the NZEB exports or stores energy, it is classified in subclass A0⁺.

EPB calculations are according to STN EN standards, climatic and indoor conditions according to national STN standards.

Heating need (Qh,nd)

Non-residential buildings: Qh,nd/Ve ≤ 0.32 (45 + 60 f0 – 4.4 TL) (kWh/(m³year))

Public buildings: Qh,nd/Ve ≤ 0.29 (45 + 60 f0 – 4.4 TL) (kWh/( m³year))

Non-residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L2A. HM Government, 2013 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540328/BR_PDF_AD_L2A_2013_with_2016_amendments.pdf

Non-residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L2A. Welsh Government, 2014 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-05/building-regulations-guidance-part-l-conservation-of-fuel-and-power-2014-l2a-new-buildings-other-than-dwellings.pdf

Non-domestic buildings:

Technical Booklet F2, Conservation of fuel and power in buildings other than dwellings, Department of Finance and Personnel, October 2012. Available at:

https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/Technical-booklet-F2-Conservation-of-fuel-and-power-in-buildings-other-than-dwellings-October-2012.pdf

Austria

f_GEE ≤ 0.80

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019, clause 3.2.

fGEE = relation between final energy demand of the building and final energy demand of the corresponding reference building

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Cf table 2

No specific requirement for public buildings, as every building must be NZEB

Same as in 02.03, except:

E_{eis, fct}: 2018

Office: 50

Educational

continental         65

littoral                60

Hospitals

continental         300

littoral                300

Sports facilities

continental         400

littoral                170

Other types

continental         150

littoral                100

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

The maximum values depend on the building type and, for single‐family houses, also on the area of the building.

Calculations include also thermal comfort requirements, indoor‐air quality requirements and airtightness, thermal bridges and shading devices.

Domestic buildings:

Building Standards Technical Handbook 2019: domestic. Scottish Government, September 2019. Available at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2019-domestic/

Greece

Requirements in the intermediate period 1 January 2019 until 1 January 2021:

For public buildings of the following 3 types: Office buildings > 100 m², Prison buildings, Meeting buildings, Levels see under ‘comments’

Requirements as of 1 January 2021: See Table 4

Since 1 January 2016, standardised requirements on ultra-low level of construction have been set; requirements meet the cost-optimal levels of minimum requirements on EPB.

Since 1 January 2019, standardised requirements on NZEB construction level have been set.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 1.0); heat recovery min. 60%; global indicator – primary energy in kWh/(m².year) class A1: e.g. office buildings less than 122, schools less than 68.

U-values in W/(m².K) (e.g. external walls 0.22, roof 0.15, windows 0.85); heat recovery min. 60%; use of RES; global indicator kWh/(m².year) class A0: e.g. office buildings less than 61, schools less than 34. If the NZEB exports or stores energy, it is classified in subclass A0.

EPB calculations are according to STN EN standards, climatic and indoor conditions according to national STN standards.

Non-residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L2A. HM Government, 2013 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540328/BR_PDF_AD_L2A_2013_with_2016_amendments.pdf

Non-residential buildings:

Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L2A. Welsh Government, 2014 edition incorporating 2016 amendments. Available at:

https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-05/building-regulations-guidance-part-l-conservation-of-fuel-and-power-2014-l2a-new-buildings-other-than-dwellings.pdf

Austria

Yes

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019, clause 4.2.

OIB-Document on definition of the nearly zero energy building in the “National plan” dated 28 March 2014, which was amended in February 2018.

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Yes, but only implicit. There is a path towards NZEB in 2021, but there is no explicit mentioning of ‘NZEB’.

Yes + only in regional (Flemish) legislation

Yes

The definition of NZEB is given in the Energy Efficiency Act of 15 May 2015 (amended as of 30 December 2016).

The Energy Saving Act, which was amended in 2013, includes a verbal description of the NZEB (in accordance with the EPBD).

The GEG defines the NZEB standard. The NZEB standard is consistent with the current specified level of the energy performance of buildings.

Greece

(Regulations No.383, point 17., requirements for NZEB)
17. A building shall be classified as a nearly-zero energy building, if it meets all of the following requirements:

17.1. building energy performance indicator corresponds to Class A by concurrently ensuring conformity of indoor climatic conditions with the requirements of the laws and regulations in the field of construction, hygiene and labour protection;

17.2. the total primary energy consumption for heating, hot water supply, mechanical ventilation, cooling, lighting accounts for no more than 95 kWh per square meter per year;

17.3. high-efficiency systems are used in the building, which:

17.3.1 ensure recovery of no less than 75% of the ventilation heat loss during the heating season;

17.3.2. ensure at least partial use of renewable energy;

17.4. there is no fossil fuel heating equipment installed in the building.

Amendment to the Building Decree 2012, which was published on 24 December 2019 and will become effective as of 1 January 2021.

See 2.I.iii

In Act 555/2005 as amended by Act 300/2012 art. 2, section 8

Definition: Nearly zero-energy building means a building has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low level of energy should be accomplished through effective thermal protection and energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.

Building Regulation 25B* states: ‘Where a building is erected, it must be a nearly zero energy building’.

The performance level of nearly zero energy (NZEB) for new buildings is not defined within national legislation. However, SI. 3119 (2012) defines NZEB as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with a methodology approved under regulation 24, where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.”

The approved methodology does not set a performance level for NZEB.

(*) Statutory Instruments No. 3119: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3119/pdfs/uksi_20123119_en.pdf

Building Regulation 25B* states: ‘Where a building is erected, it must be a nearly zero energy building’.

The performance level of nearly zero energy (NZEB) for new buildings is not defined within national legislation. However, SI. 747 (2013) defines NZEB as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with a methodology approved under regulation 24, where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.”

The approved methodology does not set a performance level for NZEB.

(*) Welsh Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 747: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2013. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2013/747/pdfs/wsi_20130747_mi.pdf

Building Regulation 43B* states: ‘Where a building is erected, it must be a nearly zero energy building’.

The performance level of nearly zero energy (NZEB) for new buildings is not defined within national legislation. However, SR. 44 (2014) defines NZEB as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with the National calculation Methodology, where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby”

The approved methodology does not set a performance level for NZEB.

An information note^ has been provided for new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities, outlining that they are required to be nearly zero energy buildings from 1 January 2019.

(*) Statutory Rules No. 44: The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2014/44/pdfs/nisr_20140044_en.pdf

(^) Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) Requirements for New Public Buildings, Department of Finance. October 2019. Available at: 

https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dfp/NEARLY%20ZERO-ENERGY%20BUILDINGS%20%28NZEB%29%20REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20NEW%20PUBLIC%20BUILDINGS.pdf

Statutory Instruments (SI) No. 71* states: “Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that […] (c) it is a nearly zero-energy building”

The NZEB performance level is not defined in national legislation. SI No. 71* defines NZEB as “a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with a methodology approved under Regulation 7, of the Energy Performance of Buildings Scotland) Regulations 2008(a), where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on site or nearby.”

The approved methodology does not set a performance level for NZEB.

(*) Statutory Instruments No. 71: The Building (Energy Performance of Buildings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/71/contents/made

Austria

f_GEE ≤ 0.75

See “National plan” dated February 2018

f_GEE = relation between final energy demand of the building and final energy demand of the corresponding reference building

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Other requirements also apply:

• Maximal U-values
• Ventilation requirements
• Minimal share of RES
• Maximal indicator for overheating
• Maximal S-level (building envelope)

E"_prim [kWh/(m²·year)]

Multi-family houses

continental         80

littoral                50

Family houses

continental         45

littoral                35

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

Please note that these requirements act as NZEB requirements.

See Table 3.

Greece

(new or existing) NZEBs must respect all the requirements included in Decree 26.06.2015 'Minimum Requirements', with the limit values defined for the reference building 2019/2021 and the RES requirements included in Decree 3.3.2011 n. 28 (i.e., 50% of the energy used for heating, cooling, ventilation and domestic hot water).

See 02.02

Primary energy

75 kWh/m² (single-family)

80 kWh/m² (multi-family)

and 50 % RES

Ditto 02.05.

It should be noted that the information note outlined in 02.05 only applies to new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities.

Austria

01.01.2021

See OIB Guideline 66, edition April 2019, clause 4.2

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

All new buildings (residential and non-residential) that are under construction must comply with the NZEB standard by 31 December 2020.

The main design of the building should be prepared according to the requirements for NZEB, if application for building permit is submitted after 31 December 2019.

Greece

2018 public buildings

2020 all other buildings

Statutory Instruments No. 3119: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3119/pdfs/uksi_20123119_en.pdf

Welsh Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 747: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2013. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2013/747/pdfs/wsi_20130747_mi.pdf

Statutory Rules No. 44: The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2014/44/pdfs/nisr_20140044_en.pdf

Statutory Instruments No. 71: The Building (Energy Performance of Buildings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/71/contents/made

Austria

f_GEE ≤ 0.75

f_GEE = relation between final energy demand of the building and final energy demand of the corresponding reference building

See “National plan” dated February 2018

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Other requirements also apply:

• Maximal U-values
• Ventilation requirements
• Minimal share of RES

E"_prim [kWh/(m²·year)]

Offices

continental         35

littoral                25

Educational

continental         55

littoral                55

Hospitals

continental         250

littoral                250

Hotels and restaurants

continental         90

littoral                70

Sports facilities

continental         210

littoral                150

Wholesale and retail trade services

continental         170

littoral                150

Requirements are given as a fixed value (kWh_E/m² ‐ primary energy).

The National Building Code of 2018 sets maximum values for overall energy consumption (E‐values) calculated using the weighting factors (see Table 3).

Please note that these requirements act as NZEB requirements.

See Table 3.

Greece

offices: 90 kWh/m²year primary energy (110 if air-conditioned building) and 25% renewable share

educational: 85 kWh/m²year primary energy (110 if air-conditioned building) and min. 25% renewable share

other: reference building method must be applied and min. 25% renewable share

For new buildings occupied by public authorities the coming-into-force date for Regulation 25B is 1st January 2019.

For other new buildings, see 02.07.

Statutory Instruments No. 3119: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3119/pdfs/uksi_20123119_en.pdf

For new buildings owned and occupied by public authorities the coming-into-force date for Regulation 25B is 1 January 2019.

For other new buildings, see 02.07.

Welsh Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 747: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2013. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2013/747/pdfs/wsi_20130747_mi.pdf

For new buildings occupied by public authorities the coming-into-force date for Regulation 43B is 1 January 2019.

For other new buildings, see 02.07.

Statutory Rules No. 44: The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2014/44/pdfs/nisr_20140044_en.pdf

Austria

01.01.2021

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019, clause 4.2

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

2019 (offices and teaching buildings)

2021 (All other building uses)

2021

But all NZEB-levels are in place since 2018, except for office function, see 02.03

January 2019 for buildings occupied and owned by public authorities and

January 2021 for the other non-residential buildings, incl. commercial buildings

All new buildings (residential and non-residential) that are under construction must comply with the NZEB standard by 31 December 2020. The main design of the building should be prepared according to the requirements for NZEBs if application for building permit is submitted after 31 December 2019.

All new buildings owned or occupied by public authorities must have NZEB performance after 31 December 2018.

For buildings occupied and owned by public authorities the main design of the building should be prepared according to the requirements for NZEBs if application for building permit is submitted after 31 December 2017

Greece

January 2019 for public buildings

January 2021 for private buildings

From 1 January 2019 and hereinafter for buildings which are owned by the State and in the possession of the authorities and where the State authorities are located

From 1 January 2021 and hereinafter for all buildings

2019 – public buildings

2021 – all new buildings and renovated existing buildings when functionally, technically and economically feasible

For buildings occupied by public authorities; 1 January 2019.

For other new buildings, see 02.07.

Austria

Yes

See “National plan” dated February 2018, maximum value

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

No

Greece

Carbon based.

Also see 02.01.

Statutory Instruments No. 71: The Building (Energy Performance of Buildings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/71/contents/made

Austria

Both

See OIB Guideline 6, edition April 2019, clause 5.1.3 and 5.2.3

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

It is part of the overall requirement as well as an additional requirement.

The overall performance requirement (non-renewable primary energy demand) also includes the necessary use of RES. In addition, the heating and cooling load of new buildings must be at least partially covered by systems using RES.

Greece

Yes

where the share of renewable energy cannot be reasonably (technically, economically, or environmentally) met, the actual legislation allows the builder to replace it by meeting an increased cost-effectiveness requirement

Yes, Part of overall requirement:

See 02.02

Renewable energy contributes to reducing the primary energy balance.

However, all buildings are required to have a portion of the demand satisfied by renewable energy sources.

Statutory Instruments No. 3119: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3119/pdfs/uksi_20123119_en.pdf

Welsh Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 747: The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2013. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2013/747/pdfs/wsi_20130747_mi.pdf

Statutory Rules No. 44: The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Available at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2014/44/pdfs/nisr_20140044_en.pdf

Statutory Instruments No. 71: The Building (Energy Performance of Buildings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016. Available at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/71/contents/made

Austria

Yes

n₅₀ ≤ 1.5 for mechanical ventilated buildings

n₅₀ ≤ 3.0 for non-mechanical ventilated buildings

v_Ventilation = 36 m³/h.cap (Corresponding to RAL2 in EN 13779:2005)

q_i,heat = 22°C (Corresponding to Cat.I in EN 16798:2019)

q_i,max = 1/3* q_NAT,13+21,8 °C (Corresponding to Cat.II in EN 16798:2019)

see Austrian Standard ÖNORM B 8110-5

Belgium – Brussels Capital Region 

Ventilation rate requirements: YES

• Residential (Annex XIX)
• Non-Residential (Annex XX)

Overheating: Yes, for residential units

In case of overheating, the temperature shall not exceed 25°C for more than 5% of the year

• Types of eligible ventilation systems are described, and minimum flow rates are prescribed
• Overheating criterion
• No specific criteria for airtightness

The air change rate of indoor air in buildings where persons stay or work shall be at least 0.5 h‐1. At the time when the building is unoccupied, an air change rate of at least 0.2 h‐1 should be provided. The lowest air change rate shall be higher in individual parts of the building if necessary for the purpose of avoiding threats to hygiene and health conditions, and/or due to the use of open‐flame heating and/or cooking devices. If it is not possible to ensure natural air ventilation that meets the requirements for the prescribed air quality, hybrid or mechanical ventilation should be designed. For multi‐family residential buildings, airtightness requirements must be fulfilled for each apartment. For non-residential buildings, airtightness requirements must be fulfilled for the building envelope.

Air permeability classification of windows, balcony doors and skylights shall comply with the requirements specified according to HRN EN 12207:2011.

Indoor air comfort shall be determined by fulfilling requirements for heating, cooling, ventilation, thermal stability, indoor surface temperature, humidity, proper lighting and allowed noise. Recommended design values are determined in HRN EN 15251:2008.

Specific comfort criteria can be found in Czech standards

For example, Czech standard ČSN 73 0540-2 defines airtightness depending on the type of ventilation systems used, the intensity of air exchange in the used room, the thermal stability, etc.

Airtightness better than 1.0 l/s.m² @ 50 Pa.

Minimum ventilation rate 0.3 l/s.m².

Max 100 hours above 27°C and 25 hours above 28°C.

For new buildings, the minimum requirements for the outdoor air flows are given in the Ministry of the Environment Decree on the indoor climate and ventilation of new buildings 2017 (1009/2017).

Requirements are also given for room temperature planning values and air leakage values.

Comfort criteria are defined in several legal acts not addressing energy efficiency but health and workplace issues.

These comfort criteria are respected within the marginal conditions when calculating the energy performance of new/existing buildings.

Greece

Requirements are similar as in standard EN 15251.

Depending on the destination of the building:

• internal temperature and humidity
• minimum ventilation rates
• domestic hot water temperature
• minimum lighting levels (for non-residential buildings)

Republic of Latvia

As of 1 January 2021, there will be an overheating indicator (TO_juli) for newly built residential buildings.

There will be no overheating indicator for newly built non-residential buildings as it is assumed that most of these buildings will have a climate control system.

The recommended airtightness of buildings is:

1) in buildings with gravity ventilation or hybrid ventilation - n50 <3.0 1 / h;

2) in buildings with mechanical ventilation or air conditioning - n50 <1.5 1 / h.

The installation of hybrid ventilation, mechanical exhaust ventilation and supply-exhaust ventilation should have fan regulation ensuring adjustment of their air efficiency to utility needs.