The Norwegian ZEB definition and lessons learnt from nine pilot zero emission building projects

In the frame of the Norwegian Research Centre on Zero Emission Buildings, nine real-life zero emission pilot building projects were initiated during the period of 2009 to 2017. Eight of the pilot building projects have been constructed and are currently in use, whilst one of them is still in the planning phase. All the pilot projects have been followed up by researchers during the design, construction, and operation phases, by e.g. analyses of construction documents, and post-occupancy surveys. The main lessons learnt from this work are presented in this paper. They include the importance of an integrated design process, having clear goals and associated assessment methods, following a strategy based on ‘trias energetica’, as well as choosing locally sourced materials with low embodied carbon and long service lives, and increasing the focus on the user