To support the EU’s climate and energy objectives, the transition to zero-emission and energy-positive buildings is essential. This shift, targeting both new and existing buildings, aims to position buildings and neighborhoods as key drivers of decarbonization. The ambition is reinforced by the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), expected to be implemented by EU Member States by May 2026.
Despite progress in building technologies, financial barriers continue to slow the rate and scale of necessary renovations. To tackle these challenges, a new paper presents ten policy recommendations for national and regional policymakers to support zero-emission and energy-positive building renovation. The recommendations stem from insights gained from eight EU-funded research projects, which include 33 demonstration sites across Europe.
The paper focuses primarily on transforming existing buildings to meet zero-emission standards, offering a practical stakeholder matrix that identifies the key actors, their roles, needs, and potential challenges in the journey to a climate-neutral building sector. This matrix provides a roadmap for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, supporting effective policy implementation, and addressing regulatory and financial barriers for future-ready building environments.
Download the policy paper here.
