--- title: What does ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB) mean for the facade sector? description: NZEB obliges clients to build in an almost energy-neutral manner. You can read what this means for the facade sector in our blog. image: https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/1%20Kanaalzicht.jpg --- [![ISD Group](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/ISD%20Group%20thema/images/isd-group-logo.svg "ISD Group")](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/) - Products - HiCAD - [CAD for All-rounders and Specialists](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-for-all-rounders-and-specialists/) - [2-D/3-D CAD Software](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-software-for-2d-3d-design/) - [The "All-in-One" CAD Solution](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/all-in-one-cad-solution/) - [Software Kernel](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/software-kernel/) - [Import and Exchange of Data](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/import-and-exchange-of-data/) - HELiOS - [PDM Product Data Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/pdm-product-data-management/) - [DMS Document Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/dms-document-management/) - [CAD Data Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-data-management/) - 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[deutschDE](https://blog.isdgroup.com/de/nachhaltigkeit-in-der-fassadenbranche) - [françaisFR](https://blog.isdgroup.com/fr/développement-durable-dans-le-secteur-des-façades) - [nederlandsNL](https://blog.isdgroup.com/nl/wat-betekent-beng-voor-de-gevelbranche) [CAD-Software HiCAD](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/cad-software-hicad), [Roof and wall cladding](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/roof-and-wall-cladding), [Facade engineering](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/facade-engineering), [Trends and Innovation](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/trends-and-innovation) # What does ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB) mean for the facade sector? 3 May 2021 ![What does ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB) mean for the facade sector?](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1%20Kanaalzicht.jpg?upscale=true&width=730&height=410&name=1%20Kanaalzicht.jpg) The construction industry is constantly changing, so is the facade industry as well. One important development is the increased demand for sustainable facades, partly prompted by changing legislation. A recent example of this is NZEB. In this blog you can read what NZEB means and what it means for the facade industry. ## Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) ## `` Sustainability is booming. In addition, as of 1 January 2021, it will be mandatory by law to build nearly zero energy buildings. This is laid down in the so-called NZEB requirements. Requirements that apply to both residential and non-residential construction. NZEB replaces the Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC). The NZEB requirements consist of three different indicators that new buildings must meet from 2021 onwards. The requirements differ for each type of building. A building must meet all the requirements to qualify for NZEB. - **NZEB 1: energy requirement** NZEB 1 relates to the maximum energy consumption in kWh per m2 of usable floor area per year for the heating and cooling of a building. - **NZEB 2: primary fossil energy consumption** NZEB 2 is about the maximum use of fossil fuels in kWh per m2 of usable floor area per year. - **NZEB 3: minimum share of renewable energy** NZEB 3 is the percentage of energy that is generated from renewable sources such as solar panels and biomass. ## The NZEB requirements for facade construction You may be wondering what this means for the facade industry. The NZEB requirements, and in particular the NZEB 1 indicator, call for facades that better insulate buildings. In winter, facades must keep the heat in as much as possible, while in summer the heat must be able to escape. Limiting thermal bridges and a high R-value have therefore become even more important. ## Calculating sustainability with 3D CAD software Smart software such as WINISO® helps you to calculate where heat escapes. In addition, the following innovations can be used by facade engineers to further reduce the maximum energy requirement according to NZEB 1. HiCAD, the 2D CAD and 3D CAD software for facade engineering, automatically links up with WINISO® to test these and other sustainability values quickly and easily. ## Facade industry in 2021 The trends and developments for the facade industry will follow in rapid succession in 2021. In our inspiration guide 'A look at the future of the facade industry', you can read more about NZEB and other trends and developments in the facade industry. You will also find more information on the importance of smart CAD software to be ready for the future. 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Façade builder Slump-Fictorie fully engineered the curtain wall.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/digital-design-package-hicad-prevents-disappointments-during-execution?hsLang=en) ## [![Lomax systems logo](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/header%20afbeelding%20lomax%20logo.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=header%20afbeelding%20lomax%20logo.jpg) Reference, Facade engineering, Facade cladding The Hidden Power Behind Ventilated Facade Systems An aluminum support structure is the hidden force behind ventilated facade cladding. Its added value is often difficult to convey, but Lomax Systems has found a way. They use HiCAD to create 3D visualizations of the aluminum support structure for projects. This allows even non-technical.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/the-hidden-power-behind-ventilated-facade-systems?hsLang=en) ## [![Flikweert Vision logo](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-1.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=Untitled-1.jpg) CAD-Software HiCAD, Blog, Special Machine Construction Efficiency in every drawing: Why the world market leader chooses HiCAD Flikweert Vision builds innovative sorting machines for the potato and onion industry, with a proprietary AI algorithm as their beating heart. Smart technology inside the machine also calls for smart engineering. That is why the company has relied on HiCAD since its founding. The point cloud module.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/efficiency-in-every-drawing-why-the-world-market-leader-chooses-hicad?hsLang=en) Do you have any further questions? We will gladly help you. 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