Cross programme
Transforming the sustainability of Europe’s building stock
11.03.16
The revision of two EU Directives that govern energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings provides a vital opportunity to drive radical improvements in the energy efficiency performance of Europe’s existing building stock. Measures that target new builds should focus on implementing the current framework effectively. The principle of ‘continuous improvement’ should be used to drive the retrofitting and refurbishment of existing building stock through transforming energy performance certificates from a static into a dynamic tool. The EU should consider setting a binding goal to bring the entire European buildings sector to a nearly-zero energy standard by 2050. Energy performance certificates should be upgraded to a dynamic electronic format that records, and more frequently updates, both the design and operational performance of property and which becomes the foundation of an electronic building passport.
