In the last years, increasing energy prices have affected millions of Europeans. Consumers facing this situation are in dire need for support to reduce their energy consumption and costs[1]., to make informed decisions, increase their knowledge on where and how to start the renovation process and find the right quality-proof professionals. Renovating residential buildings and installing energy efficiency measures can help consumers save energy – as well as Europe achieve its sustainability targets. The EU buildings legislation – also referred to as the EPBD –aims at achieving a fully decarbonised building stock by 2050, but is often misunderstood in what it provides and its implications for citizens’ homes.
Buildings are the single largest energy consumer in Europe. Energy is needed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer, ensuring liveability and comfort[2]. To achieve a fully decarbonised building stock by 2050, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was published in 2002, and then recast in 2010 as Directive 2010/31/EU, and finally amended in 2018 as part of the Clean energy for all Europeans package. In March 2024, the European Parliament – MEPs – voted in favour of the proposed text of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which was then voted by the Council of Minister, taking Europe one step closer to a climate-neutral building stock. The last revised Directive (EU/2024/1275, EPBD)[3] entered into force in May 2024 and will need to be transposed into national laws by 29 May 2026.
Why is the EPBD so important?
According to the European Commission, buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. The EPBD sets out the strategy to gradually decarbonise the building sector while bringing benefits to consumers. It contributes directly to the EU’s energy and climate goals. But many across EU, citizens as well as buildings’ professionals are unsure of what it means for them, and most often, misconceptions about its key articles lead to delayed or absence of renovations.
Giving homeowners a helping hand in renovation
The revised EPBD recognises the importance of information services, also called one-stop-shops, in reducing the energy consumption of homes, by setting Member States a target of at least 1 one-stop-shop (OSS) for every 80,000 citizens. One-stop shops serve as an essential guide for homeowners interested in starting the home renovation process by providing a digital and/or physical platform and space where consumers can go and find the information they need to make the best choices for their properties. Digital OSS platforms, like the one being developed by the LIFE-funded HORIS project, aim to simplify the home renovation process and break down the barriers currently faced by consumers.
“The building stock is characterised by poorly insulated and energy inefficient buildings. It is therefore essential to invest in the large-scale renovation of buildings, both to improve user comfort and for the necessary decarbonisation of the building stock, which will speed up the climate transition. From the citizens’ perspective, this law is key to help in this transition to more energy-efficient homes while reducing energy bills”, adds Elsa Agante, team leader Energy and Sustainability at DECO Proteste and project coordinator.
Rete Irene has created, in collaboration with Legambiente, Altroconsumo, Per un salto di classe and the EU-funded project HORIS, a unique document to dispell false beliefs about the legislation, providing clarity through information from official sources and concrete data, to help citizens understand what the legislation provides for, what the real implications are for families, and the opportunities the transition offers for more efficient and sustainable buildings. The main concerns debunked are about the costs of energy renovation intervention, the prohibition of sale or rental of non-compliant properties, the obligation to replace gas boilers, the impact on historic or valuable cultural properties and the availability of incentives and financial support.
The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has raised several concerns among citizens across Europe, mainly related to:
- Costs of energy renovation intervention
- Prohibition of sale or rental of non-compliant properties
- Obligation to replace gas boilers
- Impact on historic or valuable cultural properties
- Availability of incentives and financial support
“Our mission is to disseminate best practices for decarbonizing existing buildings, ensuring the best energy performance from renovated buildings and making families energy independent,” says Manuel Castoldi, Rete Irene president.
Download the document in English – in Italian.
Good to know!
- The Build UP portal, a hub of information for all things buildings and constructions, will host a month focused in the EPBD (especially around data) In February 2026.
- Read the full interview of Manuel Castoldi, Rete Irene president.
[1] European Commission. Press release – Summer 2023 Economic Forecast: Easing growth momentum amid declining inflation and robust labour market https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_23_4408
[2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en
[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401275&pk_keyword=Energy&pk_content=Directive
