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

As part of the DIRECTION projects outreach activity aimed at maximising replicability potential, Spanish-based partner DRAGADOS held a workshop in June with various experts about the future of nZEBs across our continent.

Rafael Úrculo - Rafael is an Industrial Engineer & Master of Science, Managing Director at Urculo Ingenieros.

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

As was said during the meeting, the market will keep on growing, but our experience has shown that current demand is insignificant. There is not much awareness around this issue and only a regulatory approach would set things in motion. I don't see vendors wishing to sell nZEBs for now. We for example have designed several buildings aiming for nZEB status, but none have come to fruition.

How could nZEBs become more appealing to public and private developers and End Users?

Clearly a change of business model is needed. Developers need to buy into the concept and citizens need greater awareness about energy issues, they need to be INFORMED. Therefore we need incentives and a regulatory framework.

Do you think governmental initiatives (regulation, public funding, etc.) are enough to ensure the growth of the nZEBs market or does the private sector need to take the lead? Why?

As with most issues, I think both sectors have a responsibility. The authorities can provide the legislation while the private sector sets out the sales argument. There is undoubtedly a market for promoting buildings with "something different", but it requires sound communication and figures to back it up.

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

The experience would give us a competitive advantage. But the concept of "low cost" should be dropped in building construction, because it is meaningless given the long lifetime of such goods.

Which are, according to your expertise, the main regulation barriers currently hampering the design and construction process of an nZEB? How could these barriers be overcome?

Regulations are contradictory and users don't have much information about European directives and their implementation. Spain doesn't comply and citizens don't realise the consequences. Information needs to be digested and consistent, via non specialist channels, in order to develop public opinion and subsequently increase demand.

More information:
Contact email: secretariat@direction-fp7.eu.

DIRECTION is coordinated by Fundación CARTIF (Boecillo – Valladolid) and developed in cooperation with other 10 partners: DRAGADOS and 1A Ingenieros ; EURAC, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and Claudio Lucchin & Architetti Associati; Domagk Gewerbepark, Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik and FACIT; Enginsoft SpA ; youris.com G.E.I.E .

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No. 285443

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