Towards a decarbonised building stock by 2050: The meaning and the role of zero emission buildings (ZEBs) in Europe

The building sector plays a key role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU). The revision of the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) sets out how Europe can achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050. This paper offers an overview of the recent policy developments and examines the introduced provisions on new and existing buildings. While nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) remains the current building standard since 2011 for new buildings, zero emission buildings (ZEBs) are set as the future building target as of 2030. Accordingly, this paper provides insights into ZEBs, clarifying how and when this concept brought out. In particular, it discusses the key methodological aspects that ZEBs should address, outlining the decisive role of energy efficiency and renewable energy. This paper provides the main features of a pragmatic ZEB definition which should be distinguished from other building concepts. It suggests an approach to ZEBs calculations of grouping energy uses and associated emissions, as well as the steps to derive numerical benchmarks for operational energy. Furthermore, it examines the link with other policies as well as the market readiness for zero carbon buildings. The study points out how ZEBs are a crucial component of the EU strategy towards climate neutrality, able to trigger additional benefits, such as resilience, recyclability, security, and health. Within that framework, the ZEB concept must be promptly transposed, avoiding the downturn that characterized the initial NZEBs implementation. Giving the essential elements to move from a theoretical to an empirical ZEB level, this paper highlights how binding requirements based on a holistic approach are urgently needed in order to tackle GHG emissions in the building sector and move rapidly towards a climate neutral continent.