The Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville is the site of the first net-positive energy building to be built by the European Commission. Following a groundbreaking ceremony on 30 June 2025, building will begin in summer 2025.
Beyond net zero
The project aims to go beyond carbon neutrality (‘net zero’) by offsetting CO₂ from the atmosphere, primarily through generating solar energy that far exceeds its own operational needs. It will be the first EU institutional building of this scale to achieve net-positive energy.
Inspired by Seville’s traditional architecture, the dome-shaped project will feature a solar panel-covered roof that provides shade for a square, a garden, and the building itself. The layout is designed to be flexible and adaptable to future needs, with a focus on using locally sourced materials such as limestone, wood and ceramics.
New European Bauhaus
The New European Bauhaus (NEB) movement aims to reimagine the way we think about buildings and communities, in a future where architecture not only minimises its impact on the environment but actually contributes to it positively.
The NEB is an EU policy and funding initiative, launched in 2021, that aims to create a new culture of living, working, and building that is socially inclusive and economically viable. It has strong grassroots participation and a community of over 1 500 members, including non-profit organisations, businesses, public authorities and project holders. Almost 500 projects promoting NEB values have been launched to date, spanning 3d printed building solutions, bio-based construction materials and rooftop gardens in European city centres.
Gallery
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingAlternative streetview of the building that embodies the principles of the New European Bauhaus 
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingGarden of the JRC Seville building 
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingAerial view of the site 
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingAerial night view of the canopy 
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingPlaza of the new building 
Concept visualisation of the EU's first net-positive buildingStreetview of the building at sunset
