CASTELLUM NEARLY-ZERO-ENERGY BUILDINGS

The proposed project consists of the development of two new large office buildings supporting the strategy for the development of near-zero-energy buildings (NZEB).

The improvement of new buildings' energy efficiency will reduce energy consumption and lower C02 emissions, contributing to the security of supply and climate change mitigation objectives.

The project is not expected to fall under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU, provided that the new buildings will be integrated in an urban area. The Bank will review relevant permits and environmental and social management processes during appraisal, including mitigation/compensation measures to be taken and any potential effects on nature conservation sites (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and Birds Directive 79/409/EEC). Through the project, a new NZEB building will be constructed, according to the requirements of Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD), Article 9(1). The building, after completion, will reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions compared to the business-as-usual scenario (in compliance with the current regulation). The EPBD requires that, from 2019 onwards, all public buildings and, from 2021, all buildings will need to be NZEB.

The promoter has been assessed by the EIB as being a private company not operating in the utilities sector and not having the status of a contracting entity, thus not subject to EU rules on public procurement. However, if after the project appraisal, the EIB were to conclude that the promoter is after all subject to EU public procurement legislation (i.e. Directive 2004/17/EC), then the Bank would require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directive 2004/17/EC and Directive 92/13/EEC), with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required.