Project Proposal: Affordable Zero Energy Buildings (A-ZEB) This project aims to achieve significant construction and lifecycle cost reductions of new NZEB’s through integral process optimization in all construction phases. The main objectives are: a) To develop a methodology for cost reduction in synergy with better energy/ grid-interaction/comfort/environmental performances of new NZEB’s for the European climate zones with a framework of tested strategies and technologies from which designers, builders and urban planners may combine the best for their context. b) To disseminate the gained and consolidated knowledge and experience as market-ready solutions to the widest possible EU audience and this way inspire stakeholders to take up new NZEB’s with RES concepts and implement the cost-effective solutions. c) To facilitate frontrunners and innovators, from policy-makers to progressive contractors, to help transform the building sector into a sustainable industry, with ready-to-use material and strategies to influence their target groups. Optimizing construction processes to fully integrate available solutions (in the areas of process, technology, contracting) is seen as the largest potential in lifecycle cost reduction and is at the core of the project. A-ZEB proposes to create a common methodology on this. The main steps are: - Evaluate available experience and solutions - Create a common methodology for cost reduction - Apply the methodology to demonstration projects - Finalise the methodology including lessons learned - Disseminate the results The project will pave the way for the process and organizational innovation in construction, to enable significant cost-reduction and solid market acceptance of NZEB’s.

The lack of proper coordination of aspects related to regulation, financing and management of energy efficiency measures within urban regeneration initiatives, as well as the frequent misalignment of public stakeholders at different levels, are hindering the potential benefits of addressing these processes from an integrated perspective. FosterREG aims at enhancing public capacity at local, regional and national levels to plan, finance and manage integrated urban regeneration for sustainable energy uptake, through capacity building, promotion and articulation of effective multilevel coordination, and national as well as European network strengthening. These objectives will be achieved through public stakeholders’ engagement in joint analysis and knowledge development activities, as well as creation and dissemination of targeted training materials and activities across Europe. FosterREG relates to the Work Programme objectives by: 1) Focusing on the integration of energy efficiency measures within urban regeneration plans, with especial emphasis on building retrofitting while promoting synergies with other sectors such as transport and land-use planning. 2) Enhancing multilevel coordination (European, national, regional and local) of public authorities in the reduction of EU energy consumption. 3) Building capacity for civil servants at national, regional and local level in relation with policy design, planning, financing and management of energy efficiency measures within urban regeneration plans. 4) Fostering the implementation of the Energy Effciency Directive, in particular Articles 4 and 7.