This report examines the policy requirements for implementing zero-emission buildings (ZEBs) and National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs) in the focus countries of the EPBD.wise project—Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.

Through extensive desk research, stakeholder interviews, and targeted surveys, we have identified a wide range of policy needs related to the deployment of NBRPs and ZEBs.

For the development of NBRPs, following key policy needs were found:

1. Improved access to and understanding of building stock data, particularly for non-residential buildings, which is crucial for strategic planning and renovation strategy implementation
2. Assistance in formulating policies that align with established targets, especially for the least efficient buildings
3. Identification of investment needs, budgetary resources, and strategies to attract private investment
4. Methods for identifying and collecting data on the least efficient buildings
5. Establishment of measures for public buildings
6. Analysis of broader impacts and addressing energy poverty
7. Development of methods for drafting renovation trajectories

Regarding ZEB implementation, the main needs identified are:

1. Adoption of technically and economically feasible requirements
2. Engagement and consultation with industry and the public before finalizing the national ZEB definition
3. Access to best practices and examples from other Member States on ZEB concepts or advanced nZEB implementations
4. Identification of indicators and metrics to be incorporated into the ZEB definition
5. Development of calculation methods and tools for energy and Global Warming Potential (GWP) assessments

This report, along with three other reports on Energy Performance Certificates, Renovation Passports, and Minimum Energy Performance Standards, constitutes a crucial initial step in the EPBD.wise project. It provides the foundational knowledge and strategic framework needed for developing customised and actionable policy recommendations in subsequent phases of the project.