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 or equipment, or both, and materials that are expected to be continuously innovated (however it does stipulate the technologies for selection);

—     specific methods or calculation formulae for design;

—     commissioning methods.