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15 December 2024

According to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, an amendment (made on February 19, 2022) to the “Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings,” prepared by the General Directorate of Professional Services, introduced a phased transition to the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) concept. This concept refers to buildings with higher energy efficiency than standard structures that derive a specific portion of their energy from renewable sources.

Starting January 1, all buildings with a total construction area of 2,000 square meters or more must be built according to NZEB standards.

While the requirement for NZEB structures to maintain at least a "Class B" energy performance rating on their Energy Identity Certificate continues, the mandate for sourcing energy from renewable resources has been increased.

The renewable energy share, previously set at 5 percent, will rise to 10 percent effective January 1.

New buildings will be required to meet at least 10 percent of their energy needs through renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and heat pumps.

66,000 Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced

Furthermore, 2,200 buildings designed according to NZEB standards since 2023 are approximately 25 percent more energy-efficient than standard buildings.

This has resulted in an annual energy saving of 281 gigawatt-hours and a reduction of 66,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.

Starting in 2025, approximately 30,000 buildings are targeted for construction under NZEB standards annually.

Buildings meeting NZEB criteria are expected to save 1,850 gigawatt-hours of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 450,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with these values increasing cumulatively each year.

In line with these goals, the target is to achieve 102,000 gigawatt-hours of savings by 2035.

Source: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change