During the event “From nZEB to ZEB – Performance without Compromise”, recently organised by the Romanian Order of Energy Auditors (OAER), several specialists from the construction sector, representatives of public institutions and the private sector discussed the challenges and opportunities of the transition from nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) to zero energy buildings (ZEB). The dialogue underlined the need to update legislation, prioritise investments and link environmental concerns with improving the quality of life of residents.

Professor Cătălin Lungu, President of OAER highlighted that although the nZEB concept is beginning to be better understood, there is still much room for growth and awareness among beneficiaries and specialists. He emphasised that the transition to nZEB and ZEB is not only about reducing energy consumption, but also about the comfort and health of occupants, as well as the overall long-term costs. “In this way we need to think about buildings that cost little over a long period of time and offer superior comfort,” he emphasised.

From the perspective of public authorities, Orsolya Kövér, State Secretary at the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration (MDLPA), recalled that there are already ongoing strategies, such as the National Long-Term Renovation Strategy, which continues to produce effects and which must be corroborated with the investment plans for energy efficiency through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). She stressed that successful implementation requires both updated legislation and design regulations, as well as training programmes. She also pointed out that “we will also have a programme of short courses for 8,000 people, who will be schooled in the essentials of nZEB”.

In the same vein, the intervention of Anca Ginavar, director of the MDLPA’s Directorate of Urban Planning and Construction, drew attention to the European legislative changes and implementation challenges at national level. Regulation 305, which covered construction products, has been repealed and replaced by a new regulation (3310/2024). It introduces “a new vision on construction materials and products”, integrating elements of circular economy. She emphasised that there will be many challenges for the private sector and the administration, with the need to constantly update the legislation and for all stakeholders to work together. Then there is the transposition of the new directive on the energy performance of buildings, which will have a significant impact on designers, contractors and also on the cost of execution. The new requirements involve both legislative changes and long-term implementation efforts involving all players in the construction market. According to Ms Ginavar, the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive imposes even stricter standards, but it remains essential not to lose sight of quality of life and people’s real needs. “We have to look first and foremost at how we increase people’s quality of life and improve the quality of the built environment,” she said, emphasising that the authorities want to work closely with professionals in the field.

From the perspective of collaboration with professional associations and the practical approach, Ioan Silviu Doboși, President of AIIR, spoke about the effervescence of projects launched in response to the calls of the PNRR. On the other hand, there are question marks about the actual funding, as many contracts have suspensive clauses. He noted that “we have come to question whether they will really be funded or not”, as there is still uncertainty about the sources of money and their prioritisation. At the same time, he stressed that a constructive dialogue between the ministry, employers and professional organisations is essential to update the rules and maintain a steady pace of investment in energy efficiency.

In the same vein, Cristian Erbașu, president of the Federation of Employers’ Organisations of Construction Companies, emphasised the urgent need for predictability in the sector, especially when it comes to investment budgets and the prioritisation of projects at national level. He noted that construction companies need financial stability and constant dialogue with decision-makers in order to be able to plan their resources in the long term. “It’s very important that in these prioritised projects we have set budgets that are actually secured,” he said, saying that a predictable framework will help companies to withstand and adapt to new technical requirements.

Part of the answer on sources of funding for energy efficiency projects in buildings came from Liviu Mușat, Director General of the South Muntenia Regional Development Agency. He said that, in the region he coordinates alone, around €450 million is expected to be invested in energy-efficient residential and public buildings this year. He spoke about the expansion of funding programmes for individual housing and the growing interest of local administrations to improve their building stock. “While we initially outlined a budget of €80 million, interest in energy retrofitting has grown so much that we now have projects approaching €300 million in total for public buildings alone,” he explained.

Cezar Vlăduț, Vice-Rector of the Technical University of Construction Bucharest (UTCB), underlined the importance of educating future specialists, noting that faculties and master programmes are constantly adapting to the requirements of green construction. However, there is a gap between academia and the practical needs of the market. “That’s why, after graduation, young people need a period of adaptation within the company in order to become reliable specialists,” said Cezar Vlăduț, who also emphasised the challenge of young people’s interest and the speed with which they change their interests.

In the same context, Cristian Erbașu, president of the Federation of Employers’ Organisations of Construction Companies, noted that the departure of graduates abroad is no longer as frequent, as the Romanian construction market has become increasingly competitive and attractive. He emphasised that “salaries in Romania can be even higher than in the West for experienced specialists” and that young people’s interest in this field will remain high as cutting-edge technologies are implemented on construction sites.

The transition from nZEB to ZEB requires, in addition to investment and regulation, a change of mindset among beneficiaries, builders and designers. Consumer education remains a decisive factor, as is the partnership between authorities and business. Clear legislation, transparent budgets and continuous professional training can pave the way for clean construction, increased comfort and a better quality of life in Romania.