Passive Multi-Residential Building as a Net-Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem
ENVIRONMENT
BUSINESS: 403 PRACTICES
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Initiative
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Objective Action
The objective of the initiative is to create a contemporary model of sustainable urban housing that operates as an autonomous energy ecosystem, capable of producing, consuming, and storing energy with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
By implementing Passive House principles, advanced energy management technologies, and renewable energy systems, the project aims to drastically reduce energy demand and CO₂ emissions, actively contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient built environment.
At the same time, the initiative seeks to provide a top-tier living experience and exceptional user comfort, ensuring stable thermal and acoustic conditions, high indoor environmental quality, and significantly reduced operational costs.
Particular emphasis is placed on developing a housing model that is not only technologically advanced, but also realistically applicable and scalable within the Greek urban context. The project aspires to serve as a practical benchmark for sustainable urban development and to redefine the standards of contemporary residential construction in Greece.
Target Audience
The initiative is addressed to environmentally conscious urban residents, as well as investors and property owners seeking energy-efficient and sustainable housing solutions.
At the same time, it targets professionals in the construction and architectural sectors, serving as a practical example of the implementation of passive and bioclimatic design principles. Particular relevance is given to urban environments such as Volos, where the demand for sustainable development and high-quality housing continues to grow.
The project also aims to engage institutions, local authorities, and stakeholders involved in sustainable urban development, demonstrating that high-performance, low-emission residential buildings can be realistically implemented within the dense urban fabric of contemporary cities.
Duration
18 MONTHS
Description
The initiative αφορά the construction of a five-storey passive-design residential building in Volos, with a total net floor area of 611 m² (according to WoFlV standards), comprising seven residential apartments.
The design is based on Passive House principles and on a holistic approach that treats the building as an integrated energy ecosystem. Through advanced thermal insulation strategies, minimization of thermal bridges, integration of renewable energy systems, and smart energy management technologies, the building achieves exceptionally low energy demand while ensuring a high level of comfort for its users.
The initiative goes beyond conventional energy-efficient construction by introducing a realistic and scalable model of sustainable urban housing with near-zero operational CO₂ emissions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced environmental performance. The project serves as a benchmark for sustainable construction within the urban fabric, demonstrating the potential of passive architecture in the contemporary Greek city.
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Impact on Society
The initiative achieves exceptionally high energy and environmental performance, demonstrating that a multi-storey residential building within a dense urban environment can operate as a near-autonomous energy ecosystem with virtually zero operational emissions.
Energy Performance & Autonomy
The building was designed according to Passive House principles, achieving extremely low energy demand:
Heating demand: < 1 kWh/m²·year for maintaining indoor temperatures above 22°C
Cooling demand: < 4 kWh/m²·year for maintaining indoor temperatures below 25°C
More than 90% reduction in energy demand compared to conventional residential buildings
The energy strategy is based on an integrated system for energy production, consumption, and storage, including:
15 kWp photovoltaic system
15 kWh battery energy storage system
8 kW heat pump
Under normal operating conditions, the system can cover heating and cooling needs with minimal reliance on the electricity grid, enhancing both energy autonomy and resilience.
Comfort & Quality of Living
The initiative places particular emphasis on user experience and high living comfort:
Stable indoor thermal comfort throughout the year
Instant availability of domestic hot water at all points of use
Individual system control per apartment
High indoor environmental quality with minimal temperature fluctuations
The innovative domestic hot water system combines solar thermal panels, a heat pump, thermal storage, and intelligent temperature management, minimizing network losses while optimizing energy efficiency.
Environmental Impact
Based on standard Greek KENAK values, a conventional building of similar size would generate approximately 30 kg CO₂ per m² annually. For this project, operational emissions are practically eliminated, resulting in:
Annual avoidance of approximately 18 tons of CO₂
More than 540 tons of avoided CO₂ emissions over a 30-year lifecycle
The project actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals related to:
clean and affordable energy,
sustainable cities and communities,
climate action.
Economic Viability & Scalability
Despite its high energy-performance standards, the additional construction cost is estimated at only approximately 6%, making the model both realistically achievable and scalable within the Greek residential market.
This initial investment is offset through:
substantial reduction in operational costs,
increased energy security,
significantly higher property value,
and long-term building sustainability.
The initiative demonstrates that the transition toward near-zero energy buildings can be effectively implemented under real urban conditions in Greece.
Initiative Location
VOLOS, MAGNESIA, GREECE
Working with Organization
Workers Participation
Benefits for Οrganization
Connection with Global Goals
