This document provides a basic step-by-step approach for achieving non-residential (net) zero-energy buildings (ZEBs). It also describes the basic concept of ZEBs and the items for consideration in this approach.

The following are within the scope of this document:

—    application to non-residential buildings;

—    annual energy consumption of a ZEB (this includes the operating consumption of the building and excludes the energy consumed by the manufacturing of materials and equipment, and the energy consumed during construction);

—    renewable energy supply (this can be on-site or off-site, depending on the policy and conditions of the country in which the supply is installed);

—    application to any climate zone.

The following are out of the scope of this document:

—    recommendations or suggestions for the adoption of any specific technologies and/or equipment and materials that are expected to be continuously innovated (however it does stipulate the technologies for selection);

—    specific methods or calculation formulae;

—    commissioning methods.