Call: Cost reduction of new Nearly Zero-Energy buildings

• Health, demographic change and wellbeing;
• Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research, and the Bioeconomy;
• Secure, clean and efficient energy;
• Smart, green and integrated transport;
• Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials;
• Europe in a changing world - inclusive, innovative and reflective societies;
• Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens.

• Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint
• Low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply
• Alternative fuels and mobile energy sources
• A single, smart European electricity grid
• New knowledge and technologies
• Robust decision making and public engagement
• Market uptake of energy and ICT innovation.

According to the Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD), Member States shall ensure that by the end of 2020 (2018 for public buildings), all new buildings are Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB). However, progress is slower than expected and requires the development of market ready cost reduction solutions. Cost-effective integration of renewable energy production elements into NZEB in a form that fits with the construction industry’s design and procurement process is a major challenge. Widespread application and roll out of means for cost effective development of NZEB would accelerate the market. The significant cost reduction that is required to mainstream NZEB by 2018 is likely to revolve around processes rather than technologies. There is an additional need to look beyond NZEB performance with a longer term perspective. Support is also needed to ensure that end users and occupants appreciate the role they play in the building's energy performance.

At least one legal entity established in an EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country.