More information
Description
Programme outcome the project contributes to: Increased capacity to implement nZEB standards.
The overall objective of the project is to increase the capacity at the national level to implement the newly adopted, yet not utilized, nearly Zero Energy Building standard (nZEB).
Addressing poor energy performance of public buildings is at the core of Croatian energy strategies and action plans. The newly implemented building standard – nearly zero energy building (nZEB) is adopted, however the real implementation is still lagging behind. One of the growing issues in Croatia today is how to efficiently transfer the respective regulations and recently developed methodologies regarding nZEB standards to all the key stakeholders. This project will therefor support the key stakeholders to realize all the benefits of nZEB standard. The project will prove that nZEB approach, although innovative, is optimal and cost-effective solution for renovation of public buildings. Project also aims to capitalize on results of the key Norwegian initiatives, developed by the well-known research institution SINTEF, regarding nZEB and zero emission neighbourhoods.
This objective will be achieved specifically by the following main activities:
- Development of all the required documentation needed for achieving nZEB standard while retrofitting the existing public building
- Deep retrofit of the existing public building with state-of-the-art technologies which will be thoroughly documented and monitored by the group of nZEB experts
- Design of the training programme and project development assistance for nZEB projects for the neighbourhood with the action plan on how to achieve the zero-emission neighbourhood
- Established cooperation with Norwegian scientific institutions and other nZEB initiatives
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the significant gap in Croatia''s implementation of Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards, particularly for the renovation of existing buildings. While Croatia had adopted the nZEB standard, its practical application in building renovation was almost non-existent due to outdated practices in construction and a lack of cost-effective technical solutions. Additionally, there was insufficient knowledge and use of advanced tools, such as dynamic simulations, to optimize building energy systems and assess costs over a building''s lifecycle. These challenges were compounded by administrative hurdles, financial constraints, and a perception that nZEB renovations were prohibitively expensive. The project sought to overcome these obstacles by demonstrating the feasibility and cost-efficiency of nZEB renovation through a pilot project and establishing a training center to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to promote wider adoption of nZEB practices. This initiative aimed to align with green and digital transitions while addressing national and EU energy and climate goals.
The project was structured into four main components. First, it included project management and communication efforts to engage stakeholders and disseminate information through a dedicated website, social media, and events. Second, it involved a detailed analysis of the existing building conditions, including energy audits, thermal imaging, and structural and seismic assessments. These analyses led to the development of a comprehensive nZEB renovation plan. Third, the project executed the renovation of the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar''s office building to nZEB standards. This included the replacement of the HVAC system, lighting, and building automation systems, as well as the installation of a photovoltaic system. Fourth, the project established a national training center for nZEB, featuring an eight-module curriculum for professionals. These modules included online lectures, field visits, and collaboration with engineering associations to provide professional certification. Additionally, three study visits to Norway facilitated the exchange of knowledge and integration of Norwegian best practices in nZEB and Zero Emission Neighborhood (ZEN) concepts.
The project achieved substantial results, directly benefiting stakeholders in the building and energy sectors. The pilot renovation transformed the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar''s office building into a nearly zero-energy building, demonstrating significant improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability. Through the training center, 85 professionals, including engineers and project stakeholders, received education on advanced nZEB standards, with 67 participants completing five or more training modules. Approximately 96.4% of the participants reported improved knowledge, and the training center gained recognition for providing professional development credits. Indirectly, the project contributed to greater awareness and capacity for implementing nZEB renovations across Croatia and beyond, as international participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina also attended the training. Furthermore, partnerships with universities, student organizations, and industry associations fostered collaboration and promoted the adoption of sustainable building practices. The project''s long-term impact includes a replicable framework for nZEB renovations and ongoing educational activities, ensuring sustainability and continued advancement of green building standards.