Green green economy zero emission building

Zero Emission Building: The 2025 EU Updates and Their Impact on Italy

Discover the new European rules on zero-emission buildings (ZEmB), the updated timelines, and what will change in the Italian construction sector by 2030–2050.

author: Internal Editorial Team
17-09-2025
3 mins to read

Starting in the summer of 2025, Europe has taken concrete steps to make zero-emission buildings (Zero Emission Buildings, ZEmB) mandatory. New directives, guidelines, and roadmaps are setting stricter standards, clear timelines, and measures to support implementation. In Italy, the construction sector is called to embrace these changes: for property owners, companies, and investors, it is essential to understand what will change between now and 2030–2050.

What “Zero Emission Building” Means and the Latest EU Regulations

With the revision of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD recast / EPBD IV, EU/2024/1275), it has been established that all new residential and non-residential buildings must be zero-emission as of January 1, 2028 for public buildings and January 1, 2030 for all other new buildings.

A ZEmB requires that no fossil gas emissions are produced on-site (i.e., within the building perimeter) and that the remaining energy demand is covered by local or nearby renewable sources, including efficient district heating/cooling systems and energy communities.

Recent Developments (August–September 2025)

The EU has published interpretative guidelines and explanatory documents to assist Member States in transposing EPBD IV into national legislation. These include annexes and specific regulations detailing technical requirements, emission limits, and building life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies.
In Italy, the Energy Efficiency Report 2025 by the Polytechnic University of Milan notes that despite progress, investments in energy efficiency are declining compared to the levels required by EU policies, creating a gap to close in order to achieve ZEmB targets.
National consultations are underway for the “National Building Renovation Plans” (NBRPs), which must include measures to transform the existing building stock into highly efficient and zero-emission structures by 2050. These consultations are active in various Member States in 2025.

Expected Impacts on the Italian Market

Regulatory deadlines: By 2028 (for new public buildings) and 2030 (for all new buildings), ZEmB standards must be met. Construction companies will need to adapt their designs accordingly.
Costs vs. benefits: Upfront investments may be high (materials, design, renewable sources, certifications), but energy savings, emission reductions, added real estate value, and improved occupant comfort are expected benefits.
Deep renovations: The existing building stock remains the key challenge. To meet the 2050 target, structural interventions on building envelopes, efficient systems, and renewable installations will be required.
Barriers and opportunities: Barriers include bureaucracy, initial costs, and availability of adequate technical skills. Opportunities lie in specialized companies, green startups, and sustainable materials supply chains.

How to Prepare Now

Check compliance in future projects with minimum ZEmB requirements: structure, insulation, minimum renewable energy share, and total carbon footprint.
Monitor national and regional fiscal measures that support energy efficiency or green construction.
Work with professionals specialized in sustainable building and environmental certifications.
Adopt low-impact technologies: heat pumps, on-site renewable sources, smart energy management systems, and materials with minimal embodied emissions.

The latest updates on zero-emission buildings mark a turning point: EU legislation is clear, timelines are set, but success will depend on Italy’s ability to mobilize resources, skills, and incentives to implement change. For those in the construction sector, staying informed and anticipating the transition is not only a regulatory obligation but also a concrete opportunity.

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