Public buildings account for approximately 30-60 percent of total national energy consumption in the Balkans+ region, making them one of the largest energy-consuming sectors in the region. With potential energy savings in public buildings reaching up to 50 percent, various interventions could lead to substantial reductions in energy use. These savings could result in lower energy costs and increased energy security. Enhancing technologies such as heating, cooling, and lighting in these buildings could not only improve energy efficiency but also boost indoor air quality and thermal comfort, thereby benefiting the health and well-being of occupants in offices, schools, and other public spaces. Additionally, public sector buildings could set an example for high-efficiency building products and services and drive market growth through project financing from local and international sources.

Although most Balkans+ economies have not yet officially defined the Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) concept within their national contexts, there are technical and financial resources available to support future NZEB regulations. It is essential to define NZEB nationally, integrate related policies into national legislation, align building codes with European Union (EU) directives and standards, promote NZEB construction, and enhance the capacity of energy efficiency organizations and experts to conduct audits, manage energy use, and certify buildings.

This Roadmap offers insights into the current status of implementation of the nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) concept in the public buildings sector in the Balkans+ region. It examines existing and forthcoming developments in the field of NZEBs and their impact on building services. The report specifically explores the potential for NZEBs in both new constructions and existing public buildings in the Balkans+ region and offers recommendations for achieving closer alignment with the acquis of EU for energy efficiency standards for public buildings.