Future-proof buildings for all Europeans - a guide to implement the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2018/844)

Two-thirds (65%) of the European building stock was built before 1980: about 97% of the EU’s buildings must be upgraded to achieve the 2050 decarbonisation goal, but only 0.4-1.2% are renovated each year. A more efficient, technically equipped and smarter building stock could be the cornerstone of a decarbonised energy system. Highly efficient buildings have an important role to play in achieving a climate-neutral European economy, through renewable energy production, control, storage and demand response, as well as green charging stations for electric vehicles. Upgrading our building stock to high efficiency levels is a precondition to achieve Europe’s climate promise made with the Paris Agreement. The recent amendments [2018/844] to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) [2010/31/EU] set a clear direction for the full decarbonisation of the European building stock by 2050. It provides a clear goal for Member States and the tools to achieve it. However, implementation is rarely a straightforward task. The BPIE guide supports policy makers to develop and agree effective instruments which will lead to healthy and climate-friendly buildings for all citizens.