European smart cities: The role of zero energy buildings

The main objective of this paper is to present the potential contribution of the ZEB principle towards achieving smart cities in Europe. In terms of this study, the evolution of building standards towards the ZEB concept will be presented, followed by discussions regarding the provisions of a SET-Plan smart city and the ZEB definition. Additionally, past studies discussing on the role of zero energy buildings in smart energy regions will also be reviewed. The conclusions of the analysis on the potential of ZEBs in SET-Plan smart cities will provide some useful insight towards the actions required in the building assessment methodologies' developments, in order to achieve the envisioned smart cities in Europe.