Zero-energy buildings – an overview of terminology and policies in leading world regions

Panel: 6. Policies and programmes towards a zero-energy building stock

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Jingjing Zhang, Lund University
Nan Zhou, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Adam Hinge, Sustainable Energy Partnerships, USA
Wei Feng, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA

Abstract

To address climate challenges, major regions of the world are developing policies to move toward ultra-low energy buildings. The European Union (EU) Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires nearly-zero-energy buildings (nZEB) in all EU member countries by 2020. In the United States (U.S.), the move is toward “net-zero-energy buildings” (NZEB). Despite the apparent similarity in these terms, there are significant differences in the definitions, policies, and support mechanisms associated with these and other similar goals. These differences make it difficult to understand and evaluate global progress toward lower-energy buildings and create confusion for other countries such as China that are considering setting similar goals. Such confusion could create barriers to low-energy-building initiatives in developing regions. To support further research and sharing of best practices around the globe, this paper reviews and compares the definitions of key “zero energy” terms in major world regions, with a focus on two jurisdictions at the forefront of zero-energy buildings: Denmark in the EU and the state of California in the U.S. Our analysis summarizes policy activities that are being implemented to promote zero-energy buildings, highlights differences among policy elements and criteria, and assesses the progress in regions that have adopted zero-energy policies. From the current international experience, we consider policy implications for China and other emerging economies that are currently working to develop goals for zero-energy buildings.