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 Train-to-NZEB project is designed to establish a functioning network of training and consultation centres (Building Knowledge Hubs, BKHs), providing practical trainings, demonstrations and complex consulting services for the implementation of nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEB). Using the improved training facilities, the BKHs will provide enhanced capacity for conduction of trainings on curricula developed on BUILD UP Skills II, thus reaching a significant number of workers not covered by the initiative. Additionally, BKHs will offer trainings for highly-qualified building professionals and demonstrations for non-specialists with decision-making authority, which, combined with administrative and financial consultancy service, will result in increased capacity for implementation of NZEB projects in the involved countries. In order to reach this goal, the following objectives are set: 1. Development of publicly available Terms of Reference for the setting up of the BKHs; 2. Adaptation of existing and development of new training programs; 3. Actual setting up of 4 training and consultation centres (BKHs) according to the Terms of Reference; 4. Building of internal capacity through train-the-trainer activities, targeting at least 90 qualified trainers; 5. Actual training courses according to annual training plans, resulting in: (a) 120 training courses for construction workers, targeting additional qualification of 2400 trainees; (b) 24 training courses for highly-qualified building specialists, targeting additional qualification of 480 trainees; (c) 36 training courses for non-specialists, targeting additional qualification of 720 trainees; 6. Strict monitoring and evaluation for constant improvement of the offered services. 7. Setting up of a web-based networking platform providing facilities for knowledge sharing and exchange between the BKHs; 8. Conduction of a targeted dissemination and communication campaign to increase the market demand for NZEB projects.

Built2Spec brings together a new and breakthrough set of technological advances for self-inspection and quality assurance that will be put into the hands of construction stakeholders to help meeting EU energy efficiency targets, new build standards, and related policy ambitions. B2S will expand upon a cloud based construction support platform, conceived following the most advanced integrated design and delivery framework for the building sector and hosting applications that facilitate worksite activities and quality compliance by putting knowledge in hands of contractors, in the form of shared design specifications and 3D models, installation guidelines, information on regulatory frameworks, and help from construction experts on smartphones and tablets. New self-inspection technologies managed within the platform and developed in the project include: • Special IR camera in smartphones coupled with new mathematical “reverse” models for on-the-fly analysis of existing buildings envelope thermal properties • Rapid BIM modelling via instant 3D capture with smartphones, passed via the cloud to the refurbishment team back-office, allowing accurate instant energy efficiency evaluation, quality check and streamlined quotation process • Portable, innovative low pressure air tightness technique allowing testing of occupied buildings • Smart sensor-embedded construction elements (identification, structural performance, and building environment parameters) • Portable single device for Indoor Air Quality tests offering multi-gas capabilities targeting the most harmful gas pollutants • A novel lightweight portable sound source for on-site acoustic tests to regulation compliance The B2S system will be integrated into the operations of SME contractors, large construction firms, and end user clients directly within the consortium and work program activities, assuring systematic and scientific performance measures, feedback and powerful exploitation and dissemination strategies.