The nearly zero energy building

a challenge for enviromental proteccion, energy diversity and urban regeneration

Abstract

This paper analyses the legal framework applicable to nearly zero energy building and its connection with urban rehabilitation and regeneration. More specifically, this work shows its conceptual definition and the deadline for its implementation; together with the disparity existing in this area between the regulations of the European Union (EU) and those of internal transpositions.

The EU’s demand that new buildings should be nearly zero energy building within a decade (from 2010 to 2020) has recently been expanded – in 2018 – by requiring that the existing real estate park is transformed into the above category from 2020 to 2050. The challenges deriving from this and affecting internal regulations have led us to undertake an integrated study, which includes the revision of regulations on buildings with low energy consumption, the regulations on building and energy efficiency and provisions on rehabilitation and urban regeneration, urban planning and housing; as a result we illustrate the main instruments and measures to be applied to achieve a decarbonized built park, thus contributing to the fulfillment of the European Community’s objectives on climate and energy. In line with this research, proposals are made to improve the internal regulatory framework.