Zero-Emission Buildings: The Next Frontier in Sustainable Construction

The global construction industry is at a crossroads. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, the focus is shifting towards more sustainable and resilient building practices. The Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) standard represents the next big leap in this journey. At MosArt, we’ve been at the forefront of sustainable design for over three decades, and the introduction of ZEB aligns perfectly with our commitment to high-performance, low-carbon buildings. Here’s what ZEB is all about and why it matters.

What is a Zero-Emission Building?

A Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) is designed and built to ensure that its energy consumption is fully met by renewable energy sources, resulting in no net carbon emissions over its lifetime. This new standard is part of the European Union’s 2030 climate targets and builds on the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards introduced in 2019. While NZEB focused on minimising energy use, ZEB goes further by demanding that all remaining energy consumption is offset by renewable energy generated either on-site or through other carbon-neutral methods.

ZEB takes a holistic approach to sustainability by considering both operational energy (the energy used to run the building) and embodied carbon (the emissions generated during the construction process, including the production of materials). In other words, ZEB is not only about how much energy a building uses but also how much carbon was emitted to create it.

Why ZEB is a Game-Changer

The construction sector is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, and traditional building practices contribute heavily to this environmental impact. ZEB changes the way we think about construction by making carbon neutrality a core requirement for every new building.

At MosArt, we see ZEB as an essential step in addressing the climate crisis. By setting rigorous standards for both energy efficiency and carbon reduction, ZEB will push the industry towards more sustainable materials, better design strategies, and smarter energy solutions. For developers, architects, and contractors, this means rethinking how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated.

How Does ZEB Compare to Other Standards?

ZEB is a natural progression from previous standards like Passive House and NZEB, and it builds on their strengths. Passive House, for example, focuses on ultra-low energy use through design features such as high insulation levels, airtightness, and heat recovery ventilation. NZEB requires buildings to achieve very low energy demand and to incorporate renewable energy sources. ZEB takes these principles further by ensuring that the remaining energy demand is met through 100% renewable energy.

At MosArt, we’ve long championed the Passive House standard, which has proven to be a reliable method of achieving the goals set out in ZEB. The design principles of Passive House—optimising building fabric, airtightness, and ventilation—make it easier to meet ZEB requirements. By achieving Passive House certification, many buildings are already well on their way to meeting ZEB standards, making Passive House a strong foundation for future ZEB compliance.

The Role of Embodied Carbon in ZEB

One of the most significant aspects of ZEB is its emphasis on reducing embodied carbon. Traditionally, much of the focus in sustainable building has been on operational energy—heating, cooling, lighting, and powering the building. However, embodied carbon is now recognised as a critical factor in achieving truly sustainable construction. Embodied carbon refers to the emissions generated during the production of building materials, transportation, and construction processes.

ZEB requires careful consideration of materials and construction methods to reduce the overall carbon footprint of a building. At MosArt, we’re already leading in this area by exploring low-carbon construction techniques, such as the use of timber, modular construction, and other natural materials that sequester carbon. By reducing embodied carbon, we can ensure that buildings are not only energy-efficient but also contribute less to global emissions from the moment they are constructed.

Preparing for the Future: The ZEB Standard and You

As the ZEB standard becomes mandatory for new buildings by 2030, the construction industry will need to adapt quickly. For architects, designers, and developers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Embracing ZEB means staying ahead of regulatory changes, adopting new building techniques, and considering sustainability at every stage of the project lifecycle—from design to demolition.

At MosArt, we are uniquely positioned to help the industry navigate this transition. With our extensive experience in Passive House design and our pioneering work in sustainable construction, we’re ready to lead the way into the ZEB era. We’ve always believed that sustainability is not an added feature but the foundation of good design, and ZEB is the logical next step in this evolution.

We were honoured to host the inaugural 2024 Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) Summit, an event that brought together a diverse cross-section of the built environment industry to discuss the future of sustainable construction. The summit was a huge success, with industry leaders, architects, engineers, and policymakers rallying to share ideas and strategies for embracing ZEB standards. The overwhelming enthusiasm and collaboration at the event demonstrated the industry's readiness to take on the challenge of zero-emission buildings. We’re already looking ahead to the 2025 ZEB Summit, which promises to build on this momentum. Stay tuned for more information—exciting developments are on the horizon!

To Wrap it all up

The Zero-Emission Building standard represents a bold new chapter in sustainable construction. As the industry moves towards a carbon-neutral future, ZEB will become the benchmark for all new buildings. By reducing both operational energy use and embodied carbon, ZEB addresses the full lifecycle of a building’s environmental impact.

At MosArt, we are excited to be part of this transformation. Our expertise in Passive House and low-carbon design makes us a trusted partner for developers, architects, and builders who are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that ZEB presents.