Building a low-energy house is an environmentally friendly and long-term cost-effective solution. Due to the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction and energy efficiency, Slovenia offers various subsidies and financial incentives for constructing energy-efficient buildings.
Subsidies for nearly zero-energy houses, provided by the Slovenian Environmental Public Fund, are an excellent example of financial support for purchasing, building, or renovating energy-efficient homes.
A low-energy house is a building that consumes significantly less energy for heating and cooling than a conventionally built house. These houses are excellently insulated, equipped with high-quality windows and doors, utilize energy-efficient heating systems, and harness renewable energy sources such as solar power plants and heat pumps. The primary goal of this type of construction is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve near-complete energy self-sufficiency of the building.
Subsidies and financial incentives
The Slovenian Environmental Public Fund is the key source of financial incentives for constructing energy-efficient buildings. Subsidies for low-energy houses are available, with the amount of financial aid depending on various factors. More details can be found in the Eco Fund’s call for applications 105SUB-sNESOB23.
Key sources of funding for low-energy construction in Slovenia:
1. Eco fund – non-repayable grants and favorable loans
The Eco Fund, the Slovenian Environmental Public Fund, offers various financial incentives for constructing and renovating energy-efficient buildings. Currently, the following options are available:
- – Non-repayable financial incentives for constructing or purchasing nearly zero-energy buildings (sNES). The subsidy amount can reach up to €125 per square meter of heated area, depending on the achieved energy performance indicators.
- – Subsidies for installing heat pumps, solar collectors, and ventilation systems, with reimbursement of up to 50% of the investment costs.
- – Favorable low-interest loans for energy-efficient construction, allowing financing for up to 20 years.
2. European funds and local subsidies
In addition to national subsidies, funding is also available from European funds and municipal incentives. Many Slovenian municipalities provide additional subsidies for sustainable solutions such as district heating connections, the use of renewable energy sources, and energy renovations.
3. Tax reliefs and exemptions
In certain cases, investors benefit from reduced property tax rates and exemptions from some municipal fees when constructing low-energy or passive houses.
Conditions for obtaining an eco fund subsidy
To qualify for an Eco Fund subsidy, a property must meet several key requirements ensuring high energy efficiency and sustainable design.
1. High-quality materials and professional execution
The building must be constructed using appropriate materials that are correctly installed and must comply with all prescribed standards. It is essential that the project documentation meets the call for applications’ requirements, and that the maximum allowable values for thermal transmittance and energy consumption are verified.
2. Project documentation and legal framework
All documentation must comply with applicable regulations and include a PHPP calculation and other necessary annexes as specified in the public call. During construction, proper supervision must be ensured, and upon completion, an occupancy permit must be obtained in accordance with building regulations.
3. Energy efficiency of the building
To qualify for a subsidy, the energy consumption for heating and cooling must be low – in new buildings, it must not exceed QH ≤ 15.0 kWh/(m²a) and QK ≤ 15.0 kWh/(m²a). Additionally, factors such as summer overheating potential, shading efficiency, natural cooling, and the performance of active cooling systems are assessed.
4. Airtightness test
A crucial element of energy efficiency is the airtightness of the building. A test conducted according to the SIST EN ISO 9972:2015 standard must show a value of n50 ≤ 0.60 h⁻¹ for new buildings. Moreover, external joinery must be installed following RAL guidelines, which prescribe three-level sealing.
5. Ventilation system and water usage
An efficient ventilation system with heat recovery efficiency of at least 80%, or at least 74% for systems with an enthalpy heat exchanger, must be installed. Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems must incorporate modern, high-energy-efficiency devices. The building must also feature a system for collecting and utilizing rainwater for garden irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry, with a mandatory underground water reservoir.
6. Use of renewable energy sources
To meet the subsidy requirements, at least 70% of the annual delivered energy for heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, hot water preparation, and lighting must come from renewable sources. Additionally, the total electricity consumption for system operation must be covered by self-generated energy.
Benefits of low-energy construction
Low-energy construction offers numerous benefits, influencing financial savings, living comfort, and environmental protection.
Due to high-quality insulation, advanced heating systems, and the use of renewable energy sources, heating and cooling costs are significantly lower compared to conventionally built structures. In the long run, this results in savings on monthly energy bills. Furthermore, modern low-energy buildings are designed to minimize heat loss and maximize solar energy utilization.
Energy-efficient houses are increasingly sought after in the real estate market. Due to stricter legal requirements and the trend towards sustainable living, the value of low-energy properties increases over time, making them an excellent long-term investment. Such properties are also more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Constructed with high-quality materials and to higher building standards, they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. High-quality insulation, modern façade systems, and sustainable materials reduce building wear and save on repair and renovation costs.
For more information or consultation, contact us at: Tel: +386-40-626-131, Email: tajnistvo@bazarealestate.com.
