AZEB method makes affordable energy-neutral building a reality

Currently, building energy neutral requires a relatively high investment. The threshold will be lowered if it becomes more affordable for developers, builders and residents. This will lead to acceleration of the energy transition and implementation of the European directives. How do you realize big ambitions and keep it affordable? The AZEB roadmap is the answer: this is the roadmap for all stakeholders involved in construction to develop high quality affordable energy neutral buildings. Nothing new has been developed, AZEB is based on existing knowledge. The EU project AZEB (Affordable Zero Energy Buildings) is implemented in the Netherlands by association DNA in construction, 8 partners from 6 EU countries are participating.

The AZEB method organizes the sometimes overwhelming number of existing solutions for affordable near-zero energy buildings (BENG) and facilitates both decision makers and experts. Each of the 27 steps represents a series of key activities and/or decisions to develop affordable BENG. They are organized into the four main project phases: initiative, design, construction, and operation & maintenance. Most of the steps are interrelated and interdependent. The solutions offered are technical, but also drawn from other areas of knowledge, such as finance, contracting and process management.

The AZEB methodology represents a compass with clear indicators of what an AZEB is, a roadmap with 27 milestones, a personal itinerary with an overview of activities by role and from a personal backpack with useful knowledge, skills and tools to use in each activity or step.

Creating the customer journey together
The core of the AZEB approach is: involve the necessary professionals from all project phases from the initiative and design phase, then an integrated development process with a multidisciplinary team emerges. Only by taking the customer journey together will affordable BENG become a reality. The ins and outs of each step, including suggestions for tools and methods to apply, will soon be available on the AZEB website. The first version is now available in English.

Existing knowledge, new method
From 2020, the challenge for the entire EU is to build affordably with high energy standards. With this perspective, AZEB developed the method to realize new construction BENGs with more value for less money. The roadmap can also be used for renovation. AZEB inventoried the existing (technical and non-technical) knowledge in Europe and brought it together in this new methodology. No new knowledge has been developed. AZEB is usable in different European cultures and climate zones.

Proprietary approach to affordable BENG
Some of the steps may already be familiar to regular projects. However, the way AZEB proposes to take these steps is different from how we are used to developing and building. The method follows the regular phases and activities in a building project, but the approach for an affordable BENG is different.

AZEB Summer School this summer in the Netherlands
The final year of AZEB focuses on rolling out the method in teaching materials - including through e-learning - and numerous other knowledge transfer activities. On August 27, Knowledge Institute KERN will launch the 4-day Summer Schoolin which construction experts and clients can master this methodology.

Horizon 2020 program
AZEB received funding from the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program of the European Union under number 754174. AZEB involves an amount of nearly 2 million euros.