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Martin Vallazza - How to raise the number of nZEBs in Europe? Experts provide their insights into probing questions

December 11th, 2015 DIRECTION Communication Secretariat

DIRECTION's second replication workshop took place in September, organised by Eurac in Bolzano, Italy. This is one of three workshops organised as part of DIRECTION's outreach aimed at maximising replicability potential as the project enters its final months.

Martin Vallazza is responsible for project management and development activities of the Bolzano Techpark on behalf of BLS. The Bolzano Techpark project involves approximately 40 buildings and a long-term construction development process. The mandate of BLS is to develop and promote South Tyrol as a business location, both within Italy and abroad.

Do you think there is a real market for nZEBs in Europe in the short term?

It depends on energy prices and legal requirements. The market for these buildings won't be developed without policy action. This concept should be broadened to embrace existing buildings as well.

Which governmental initiatives (regulation, public funding, etc) could ensure the growth of the nZEB market, making nZEBs more appealing to public and private developers and end users? Or does the private sector need to take the lead? Why?

At present, the ClimateHouse certificate refers only to heating. It should be broadened to cover also cooling systems. In South Tyrol insulation is the focal point when constructing low-energy buildings. The concept originated in Northern Europe where summers are typically cooler that in the south of Europe. Therefore some adaptation is required.

Do you believe your company would benefit from a higher market share of nZEBs compared to traditional buildings?

We at BLS have already decided to build a big part of the technology park following nZEB standards.

How could the design of nZEBs be integrated into public tendering processes?

Energy standards could be prescribed by the customer

Integrated design process of nZEBs with SMEs and craftsmen: is it possible? How?

In my opinion, it could be useful for SMEs to specialise in this kind of work. For example, there are already many SMsE specialised in insulation.

More information:
contact@direction-fp7.eu
DIRECTION is a four-year EU-funded project that aims at demonstrating how the use of very innovative and cost-effective energy efficiency technologies can lead to the achievement of very low energy new buildings

Citation: Martin Vallazza - How to raise the number of nZEBs in Europe? Experts provide their insights into probing questions (2015, December 11) retrieved 30 July 2025 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/211270049/martin-vallazza-how-to-raise-the-number-of-nzebs-in-europe-exp.html

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