NZEB in the U.K.: Definition & Requirements

Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) Requirements for All Buildings

According to the Circular Letter published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government on 14 January 2019, Regulation 25B of the Building Regulations 2010, introduced into the Building Regulations in 2012, is to transpose the requirement in the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requirements for new buildings to be nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs).

Regulation 25B Regulation 25B states: ‘Where a building is erected, it must be a nearly zero-energy building’. For new buildings occupied by public authorities, the coming-into-force date for Regulation 25B is 1 January 2019. For all other buildings, the coming-into-force date for Regulation 25B is 31 December 2020.

Compliance with Regulation 25B



The minimum level of compliance with this requirement may be achieved by meeting the Target Emission Rate required under Regulation 26. Those carrying out the work should also undertake an analysis of the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using high efficiency alternative systems, which include decentralised energy supply systems based on energy from renewable sources and take this into account as required by Regulation 25A. Where an assessment has been undertaken using BREEAM or an equivalent methodology, a demonstration that energy credits have been achieved can be used as further evidence that Regulation 25B has been met.