Annual report 2019

Preface. Three years into the Research Centre activities we already see results from case studies, the work package research activities, pilot projects, and living labs. We have established a solid set-up and framework for the Centre, with the best expertise on board, and we are starting implementation in full scale neighbourhood pilots. We will continue working for encouraging more active involvement from the industry partners, municipalities, and public partners, to increase the Centre’s total volume of research and dissemination of expertise. Entering the next decade, we need to broaden the perspective on what the future zero emission neighborhoods will be. In the 2-year workplan for 2020-2021, we have in addition to the already established research perspectives, strengthened the focus on circular economy and re-use of materials, innovation and cross disciplinary collaboration, user involvement, and mobility. Our research and innovations are unique in a global perspective, especially when it comes to the holistic approach and enabling the transition to a low carbon society. With the ZEN-definition, criteria, and tools in place, the ZEN Research Centre with partners will contribute to changing both the industry and the society at large. Our mission is to share insight, inspire, and support the necessary actions to ensure optimal energy use, zero emission building, sustainable neighborhoods, and smart cities. In order to succeed we still need to expand and test actual solutions. Here more case studies and living labs will play the major role, with the initiative and ownership anchored in the public and industry partners, supported by the researchers’ in-depth knowledge and analytical approach. To enhance more partner initiatives the Board has further increased the budget for case studies, innovation, and coordination activities as connectors. We are moving ahead with a closer focus on the collaboration and interaction between work packages and with partner involvement in case studies, living labs, and pilot activities. You are all invited to participate in the on-going lunch lectures, seminars, dialogue meetings, and the biannual ZEN conference. The ZEN Centre has nine pilot projects spread across Norway, with an area of more than 1 million m2, creating homes for over 30 000 inhabitants in total. Together we will develop solutions for the future buildings and sustainable neighborhoods with no greenhouse gas emissions, creating the future low carbon society.publishedVersio