In recent years, Albania has increasingly recognized the urgent need for sustainable development strategies, particularly in response to the challenges posed by climate change. The European Green Deal, endorsed through the Berlin Process since November 10, 2020, represents a pivotal shift towards a modern, climate-neutral, and resource-efficient economy. The commitment of Western Balkans (WB) countries, as outlined in the joint declaration in Sofia, underscores a collective effort towards addressing key pillars including climate, energy, mobility, circular economy, depollution, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity.
This research addresses the urgent need to examine the socio-economic and environmental implications of transitioning towards net-zero-emission buildings (NZEB) in post-communist urban neighbourhoods, with a focus on large panel apartment blocks constructed during the 1960s to 1980s.
The research contributes to the Climate, Energy, and Depollution pillars of the WB Green Transition Agenda by providing evidence-based insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning towards NZEB. Moreover, it directly aligns with national strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable urban development by 2040.
The main objective of the research is to identify and assess the expected benefits and costs of transitioning towards NZEB in post-communist urban neighborhoods in Tirana, Albania.