Status of Net-zero energy building (NZEB) in Norway

Abstract

The building sector accounts for nearly 40 % energy consumption and 36 % of greenhouse gas emission in Europe. In 2010, the European Union introduced Energy performance building directive (EPBD) recast with the target to reduce 90% of CO2 emission by 2050 with respect to 1990 level. To achieve this target Net-zero energy building became a significant part of energy efficiency strategies for the reduction of greenhouse gases emission. The EPBD recast requires all the newly built building to be nZEB from December 2020. This thesis investigates the extend of preparedness of Norwegian building sector for implementation of NZEB from 2021. Based on the main and supportive research questions, methodical triangulation approach was followed. It includes qualitative analysis with the case study and document analysis and quantitative analysis by the online survey. In the case study, EPBD recast transposition in Norway was explored. Also, national building codes were examined for energy efficiency and renewable energy regulation in document analysis. Furthermore, the opinion of various professionals involved in the building sector was gathered through google forms in the online survey. The findings from the three methods were analysed and discussed to draw the conclusion. The study found several factors affecting the readiness of the Norwegian building sector for implementation of NZEB. These are the ambiguity of the government for implementation, lack of legislation, technical issues, economic issues, the fragmented interest of professionals and lack of information. The study concludes that NZEB is not a widespread concept in Norway, in the absence of proper legislation there is a limited competence in professionals. Hence, the Norwegian building sector is not yet prepared for NZEB from December 2020.