The nZEB Ready project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 101033733.

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The nZEB Ready project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 101033733.

nZEB Support Initiatives
Better understanding nZEB
- nZEB Examples: Technical Features
- Case Studies: Public nZEBs
Education and Training
Support Tools
Replication Map
Project Page

Support Tools

Financial Instruments

Trained nZEB Professionals

Public Procurement

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments are crucial in supporting the transition to Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB) across Europe, particularly in countries with diverse economic landscapes like Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, and Romania. These instruments help overcome economic barriers, enabling the adoption of energy-efficient buildings through grants, subsidies, low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships.

Key Financial Instruments by Country

1. Bulgaria

Long-Term Renovation Strategy (LTRS): Targets the renovation of 60% of residential and 17% of non-residential buildings by 2050 with an estimated investment of BGN 26.7 billion.
National Recovery and Resilient Plan (NRRP): Provides up to 100% grants for energy renovations, focusing primarily on residential buildings.
Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria
National Recovery Plan

2. Croatia

European Local ENergy Assistance (ELENA): Offers grants for technical assistance in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Energy Efficiency Loans: Provided by the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (CBRD) for public sector buildings, with repayment based on future energy savings.
Energy Renovation Programs (2021-2027): Funded by EU sources, targeting various building types, including public sector, residential, and cultural properties.
ELENA Facility
HBOR – Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development

3. Poland

Clean Air Program: Offers up to €30,000 for energy efficiency improvements in single-family homes, focusing on heating systems and insulation.
Thermal Modernization Fund: Supports energy efficiency upgrades in multi-family and non-residential buildings through subsidies and tax reliefs.
My Electricity Programme: Subsidizes small-scale photovoltaic installations, expanding to include energy storage and heating systems.
Clean Air Program
My Electricity Programme

4. Portugal

Recovery and Resilience Program: Invests in energy efficiency across residential, government, and service buildings, with a budget of €610 million.
Efficient House Program: Provides soft loans for energy and water efficiency improvements in private housing.
Sustainable Buildings Program: Offers up to 70% reimbursement for energy optimization measures in buildings constructed before 2006.
Recuperar Portugal
Environmental Fund
Sustainable Buildings Program

5. Romania

National Programs: Include the Energy Efficient Household program and support for energy upgrades in public schools and HORECA sector buildings.
External Funds: The Green Economy Financing Facility, funded by the EBRD, provides financial assistance for high-energy performance equipment and materials.
Environmental Fund Administration
GEFF Romania

Learn more from our Project Output!

Trained nZEB Professionals

Why Choose nZEB-Trained Professionals?

Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB) require a high level of expertise in energy efficiency principles, making it essential to work with professionals who have received specialized training, such as those completing the trainings we developed under nZEB Ready. Engaging with these experts ensures that your projects meet the rigorous standards necessary to achieve significant energy savings and enhance building performance.

Key Areas of Expertise

Understanding of Energy Efficiency Principles: Trained professionals are knowledgeable about the latest energy efficiency techniques and standards, ensuring that every aspect of the building is designed to minimize energy consumption.
Thermal Bridging: These experts know how to identify and mitigate thermal bridges, which can significantly impact a building’s energy performance by causing heat loss and condensation issues.
Air Tightness: Achieving high levels of air tightness is crucial for nZEBs. Professionals trained in this area ensure that the building envelope is properly sealed, reducing energy loss and improving indoor comfort.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential in nZEBs to maintain indoor air quality while minimizing energy use. Trained professionals can design and implement ventilation systems that balance these needs effectively.
Thermal Insulation: Well-trained professionals understand the critical role of thermal insulation in nZEBs. They can select and install insulation materials that optimize energy retention, taking into account factors like thermal mass and energy transfer to reduce heating and cooling demands.
Passive Solar Design: Professionals trained in nZEB principles know how to incorporate passive solar design techniques, such as optimizing building orientation and window placement, to maximize natural heating and lighting, further reducing energy needs.
Renewable Energy Integration: nZEB-trained professionals are adept at integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, ensuring that the building generates a significant portion of its energy needs on-site.

Benefits of Engaging nZEB-Trained Professionals

Compliance with nZEB Standards: Working with trained professionals ensures that your project complies with nZEB regulations, helping you avoid costly mistakes and rework.
Enhanced Building Performance: Properly trained professionals contribute to the overall performance of the building, ensuring it operates efficiently and sustainably over its lifespan.
Reduced Long-Term Costs: Energy-efficient buildings not only lower operating costs but also increase property value, making them a smart investment in the long run.

Contact Us

During the implementation of the nZEB Ready project, multiple training sessions were conducted across the partnering countries. Participants included employees from a diverse range of organizations, such as contractors. You can find the list of such organizations here.

If you are interested in engaging nZEB-trained professionals for your projects, please contact our project partners. They can connect you with experts who have the necessary skills and knowledge to help you achieve your energy efficiency goals.

Bulgaria Croatia Poland Portugal Romania

Public Procurement

Public procurement is a powerful tool to stimulate demand for nZEB construction skills and drive the green transition in the building sector. By embedding specific nZEB requirements in tenders, public authorities can encourage the development of necessary skills among contractors and ensure that projects meet high energy efficiency standards.

Key Considerations

Competency-Based Requirements: Include clauses in tenders that require contractors to have specific qualifications or certifications related to nZEB construction.
Training Requirements: Mandate on-site training for contractors’ staff to ensure they acquire the necessary skills to meet nZEB standards.
Performance-Based Criteria: Specify performance standards that ensure the building will meet nZEB requirements, such as conducting blower door tests or similar evaluations.

Steps to Implement

Pre-Procurement: Identify the specific nZEB skills needed for the project and engage with potential contractors early to communicate these requirements.
Tender Preparation: Develop tender documents that clearly outline the nZEB standards and include competency, training, and performance clauses to ensure compliance.
Post-Procurement: Monitor and evaluate the outcomes to ensure that the contractor meets the nZEB standards and that the required training has been delivered.

Examples of Application

Dublin City Council: Integrated Passive House Tradesperson’s training in their tender for a Passive House project, ensuring workers were trained on-site to meet the required standards.
City of Gabrovo, Bulgaria: Included mandatory on-site training for construction workers in the restoration of the summer theater, with penalties for non-compliance.
Czech Supreme Audit Office: Used quality and experience criteria in the tender process to select contractors capable of delivering a nZEB building.