Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings in Croatia: Comparison of Thermal Performance in Different Climatic Regions

In recent years energy efficiency has become one of the most challenging themes for architects around the world. Energy problems and climate changes are more and more in charge of the future development of architecture. Energy-efficient approaches are incorporated into architecture as technical innovations, a particular use of materials based on the location or as utilisation of climatic conditions. Consequently, it is interesting to see what is actually built and how architects approach architectural themes in relation to climate and energy in Croatia. The paper presents a national approach to Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB) and way in which to meet the EU 2020 energy and climate policy targets. This research focuses on the evaluation of energy-efficient design strategies of residential buildings in different climatic regions of Croatia