Advanced nZEB Dwelling – Nearly Zero-Energy Building
An nZEB home is a building with a very high level of energy performance, whose energy needs are nearly zero or very low and are covered, to a very large extent, by renewable energy sources produced on-site or nearby.
According to the applicable legal framework on the energy performance of buildings, a nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) must have a very high level of energy performance, with its energy needs covered to a very large extent by renewable energy sources. According to NCM M.01.01:2025, this requirement corresponds to energy performance class “B”.
To achieve this level of performance, an nZEB home is based on three fundamental principles:
1. High-performance thermal envelope – walls, roof, foundation and windows are highly insulated (with low U-values), minimizing heat losses in winter and heat gains in summer.
2. High airtightness – reducing uncontrolled air infiltration, typically combined with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, so that ventilation does not compromise indoor comfort.walls, roof, foundation and windows are highly insulated (with low U-values), minimizing heat losses in winter and heat gains in summer.
3. Renewable energy sources – a significant share of the energy consumed (for heating, hot water and, in some cases, electricity) is covered through the use of photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, solar thermal collectors, biomass, etc.
Key characteristics:
- Very low energy consumption;
- High level of renewable energy use;
- Integrated technologies for maximum energy efficiency;
- High airtightness;
- A highly energy-efficient building envelope.
Direct benefits:
Very low energy demand, covered to a large extent by renewable energy sources produced on-site or nearby.
- Reduced dependence on energy supplied from the grid;
- Lower costs in the long term;
- Minimal environmental impact.