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nZEB, or nearly Zero-Energy Buildings, are defined by the European Union as buildings with very high energy performance, where the minimal energy required is largely supplied by on-site or nearby renewable sources. Adopting nZEB standards is a crucial step towards achieving Zero-Emissions Buildings (ZEB) – our next big common endeavour. Overall, nZEBs can assure high-quality indoor conditions for occupants while drastically reducing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing local renewable sources, nZEBs enhance energy independence, leading to significantly lower energy bills. Prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy, nZEBs help the construction industry meet stringent climate goals. Transitioning to nZEB is pivotal for sustainable urban development, combating climate change, and ensuring economic benefits through operational energy savings. This shift not only promotes environmental responsibility but also provides financial advantages, making it an essential strategy for a sustainable future.

Also, don’t forget to check out these articles:

#Become_nZEB_Ready – Products and Systems, Buildings, People, Municipalities, Communities.
#Key_Stakeholders articles – Building Owners and Investors, Construction Workers, Experts, Designers and Auditors, Financial Institutions, Knowledge Providers, NGOs and Civil Groups, Producers and Suppliers, Public Authorities, Real Estate Developers, Students

#improved_quality_of_life #energy_independency #small_bills #reduced_overall_costs

	Awareness raising nZEB Ready identified young people (high school and university students) as crucial carriers of the building sector transition towards nZEB. As an nZEB generation, they are an important target group for stimulating demand for energy-related skills, and this project aims to raise their awareness and knowledge about nZEB. This has been done by using the specific approach through educational and gamification-based events as well as through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
	Initial quiz about nZEB Learn more
	Peer-to-peer nZEB knowledge and experience sharing Learn more
	Gamification approach Learn more
	Acquired new knowledge Learn more

Achieving nZEB, or nearly Zero-Energy Buildings, requires a comprehensive approach encompassing aspects such as superior and adequate insulation, airtight construction, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, high-performance windows and doors, passive solar design, optimized natural lighting, and so on. Quality assurance throughout the construction process is also crucial to meet nZEB standards. Professionals trained in nZEB principles, such as those completing the nZEB Ready training programmes, can play a vital role in deploying nZEBs. Collaboration among architects, engineers, energy auditors and construction teams ensures alignment with nZEB criteria, while specific performance testing (e.g., testing of airtightness) and active monitoring assures that all energy performance criteria are met in the end.

#trained_specialists #quality_assurance #interdisciplinarity

	Challenges The market is usually blocked by the lack of understanding why nZEB concept is needed and how to implement it. The typical owners of single-family houses need tailor-made educational tools to guide them through the construction/ renovation process and to initiate the nZEB approach.
	Workshops for homeowners Learn more
	nZEB info points at DIY stores Learn more
	Info materials Learn more

The actual question is “WHO IS nZEB Ready?” or “WHO IS Ready for nZEB?”. To answer that, we must acknowledge that nZEBs—a critical step towards the future goal of Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEB)—can only be effectively implemented with collective readiness of all stakeholders involved in the design, construction/intervention, and operational phases of buildings. Achieving nZEB or ZEB-related goals depends on the engagement of skilled professionals delivering high-quality services, the use of suitable products and technologies, and the presence of strong ethical communities of practice. These efforts should be supported by business environments that central and local public authorities actively foster.

To connect with professionals who have completed #nZEBReady trainings or to learn more about #nZEB technologies, feel free to reach out to the #nZEB_Ready project partners.

#be_nzeb_ready #go_ZEB

	Fact sheets Visual fact sheets representing some best practice examples of nZEB buildings in each of the partner countries. Fact sheets contain some of the most important information about each building and the partners used them during the study tours to give participants a short summary of the building features. See Selection of Fact Sheets These factsheets relate to our selection of nZEB Examples: Technical Features and Case Studies: Public nZEBs.
	Study visits Study tours and testimonial events have been organized for key stakeholders interested in nZEB and deep renovation to best practice examples in each partner country (on-site visits) where organizers and experts told “how-to-go-nZEB” story to interested stakeholders in order to fuel the need for nZEB and to increase market acceptance of sustainable energy skills. Stakeholders and target groups who participated at abovementioned informational and awareness raising events gained a better understanding of nZEB and deep renovation process which will facilitate their decision to go nZEB and to implement energy efficient measures in their households or at least change their energy consumption behaviour. Check out our project report on study tours.
	Webinars To reach the wider audience in raising awareness about nZEBs, webinars have been organized and educational videos produced. nZEB, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources were the main topics of these webinars and videos. Make sure to stay informed about upcoming webinars and energy efficiency initiatives by regularly visiting the websites of the project partners, subscribing to their newsletters, or following their social media channels – contact details.

Brokerage events are interactive workshops where home-owners interested in energy renovation of their home are connected with the contractors or service providers. In addition, during the workshops, contractors have the opportunity to share their experiences in energy renovation projects. 

Moreover, if you want to organize such an event, these guidelines might provide you with some important hints and guidance: document.

Learn more about project partners’ brokerage events and other energy-efficiency related activities by regularly visiting their websites, subscribing to their newsletters, or following their social media channels – contact details.