4.Knowledge of Legal Framework Requirements for nZEBs

The institutional framework for the integration of RES and ES technologies in buildings is mainly derived from the following two Directives of the European Commission.

The Directive 2010/31/EU defines buildings with nearly zero energy consumption (nZEB), where article 9 (par. 3) states that:

“(a) by 31 December 2020 all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings, and

(b) after 31 December 2018, new buildings housing or owned by public authorities are nearly zero energy buildings or nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs)”. 

In Greece, Directives 2010/31/EU and 2012/27/EU were incorporated into Greek Law by Laws 4122/2013 and 4342/2015 respectively. Law 4122/2013 provides for “the establishment of a National Plan for the increase of the number of buildings with almost zero energy consumption (nZEB), which may include different objectives, depending on the category of the building’s use and is notified to the European Commission (article 9, par.2)”.

In Albania, there is still no clear reference for nZEBs, but there are changes to the Law on Energy Efficiency setting mandatory energy efficiency targets for the public and private sector, as well as large consumers.

Important sub-parameters regarding the institutional framework for the energy upgrade of buildings are the level of knowledge of national laws (e.g. L4342 / 2015) incorporating Directive 2012/27 / EU of the European Parliament on Energy Efficiency, the level of knowledge on Energy Performance Contracts - EPA, the level of knowledge is examined. on "smart cities" applications.