Requirements for energy efficiency of buildings according to EU standards come into force in Ukraine – Development Ministry

Requirements for certification of buildings according to the NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) energy efficiency standard have come into force in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories announced this, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

The relevant order of the Ministry of Development No. 168 of February 6, 2025 "Some issues of introducing requirements for buildings with a nearly zero energy consumption level" came into force on April 1.

It is noted that the adoption of requirements for buildings with a nearly zero energy consumption level (NZEB) is an important step on the path to energy independence of Ukraine and its integration into the European Union.

"Nearly zero energy buildings are modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly buildings that save money on utilities. Due to their high energy efficiency, such buildings require less energy for heating and cooling, which makes them more economical and environmentally sustainable. We have now approved the requirements that allow buildings to be certified according to the NZEB standard. But it is important to emphasize that this is not an obligation yet, but an opportunity. We offer options, not strict rules," said First Deputy Minister Aliona Shkrum.

She expressed hope that in the near future Ukraine will be able to fully switch to this type of construction.

"And for now, this is a great opportunity for all of us to try, learn and gain the necessary experience," she noted.

NZEB buildings are buildings with very high energy efficiency, where almost zero or a very small amount of the required energy must come mainly from renewable energy sources produced on site or nearby.

Requirements for NZEB buildings in Ukraine include:

- requirements for the energy efficiency class of the building;

- requirements for the indicator of primary energy consumption from non-renewable energy sources by the building;

- requirements for the share of energy generated from renewable energy sources;

- requirements for the thermal characteristics of the building's enclosing structures;

- requirements for the air permeability of the building;

- requirements for the engineering systems of the building.

The Ministry of Development and Construction notes that NZEB buildings consume less energy, which reduces Ukraine's dependence on energy imports; emit fewer greenhouse gases, which contributes to the fight against climate change; have lower operating costs, which allows you to save money; comply with European standards, which contributes to Ukraine's integration into the EU.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in October 2021, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on energy efficiency, which, in particular, provides for incentives for consumers to implement energy-efficient measures.