What is NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building)?
A building standard requiring very high energy efficiency and significant on-site renewable energy generation.
Quick Answer
The Future Homes Standard is expected to come into effect in the UK from 2025 for all new homes. This means all new UK homes will need to produce significantly lower carbon emissions — usually incorporating solar PV as standard. A typical compliant home includes 1.5–3 kWp of solar PV, a heat pump, and high levels of insulation. The standard is expected to drive significant growth in the UK's solar installation industry.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) Explained
NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) is a building standard that requires buildings to have very high energy performance, with the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required covered largely by energy from renewable sources. The standard applies to all new buildings in the EU under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). NZEB buildings typically achieve an EPC of A or better.
How Does NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) Work in the UK?
The Future Homes Standard is expected to come into effect in the UK from 2025 for all new homes. This means all new UK homes will need to produce significantly lower carbon emissions — usually incorporating solar PV as standard. A typical compliant home includes 1.5–3 kWp of solar PV, a heat pump, and high levels of insulation. The standard is expected to drive significant growth in the UK's solar installation industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need solar panels for NZEB compliance?
While not strictly mandatory, solar PV is the most common and cost-effective way for new UK homes to meet Future Homes Standard renewable energy requirements.
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John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.