Fabio Viero - How to raise the number of nZEBs in Europe? Experts provide their insights into probing questions
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.
Fabio Viero
Manens-Tifs s.p.a.
Head of Sustainability
Fabio leads the Sustainability Division of Manens-Tifs s.p.a., a leading engineering company and consultancy. He is a qualified LEED AP and BREEAM International Assessor and a member of the USGBC's Integrative Design Working Group. He chairs the GBC Italia Energy and Atmosphere Technical Committee.
Do you think a real market for nZEBs in Europe in the short term?
Yes, but in the short time it's a niche market, at least until European regulations become mandatory in that sense, or until tax relief for developers is introduced.
Which government initiatives (regulations, public funding) could help grow the nZEB market, making these buildings more attractive to public and private building contractors and users? Or do you think that the private sector should take the lead? Why?
It would be preferable that the private sector take the lead, as there is an emotional aspect to sustainability. This aspect can encourage people to take pride in environmental conservation which ideally will prevail. But to achieve this we would need to make a great effort to raise clients' awareness so that they are more likely to ask for this product. At a time when the market is above all price-sensitive, I think that only incentive schemes such as tax relief, reduction of infrastructure costs or volumetric awards, could generate real interest.
Could your company/institution benefit of a larger market share in the construction of nZEBs compared to the construction of traditional buildings?
Our company - Manens-Tifs s.p.a. - has long been engaged in promoting sustainability in construction and we made it one of our competitive advantages. Therefore, since we specialise in sustainable building design, we would welcome growth in the market for these types of building and it would be good for all those who focus on quality and innovation in the building industry.
How could the design of nZEBs be integrated into public procurement procedures?
Calls for tender could include disciplinary performance written by experts with clear and measurable technical content.
The construction of zNEBs in close cooperation with small businesses and craftsmen: is it possible? How?
Complex buildings require explanatory documentation for their construction and management. Staff training is also necessary and should address both the basic and specific aspects of each building.
More information:
alessandra.barbieri@youris.com
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
