The report ‘Policy package for a socially just renovation of residential buildings’ analyses how Member States can implement Article 9(2) of the European Directive on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, which requires the progressive reduction of the average energy consumption of the residential building stock and prioritises the renovation of the worst-performing buildings. The document highlights that renovating the residential sector is essential both to meet climate objectives and to improve quality of life, reduce energy poverty, and protect vulnerable households. To achieve this, countries must gain a thorough understanding of their building stock, identify the 43% of buildings with the worst performance, define energy reduction trajectories, and design technical, financial, and regulatory support instruments.

The report emphasises that social justice is a central pillar: vulnerable households often live in inefficient homes and face high energy costs. Therefore, policies must guarantee access to financial assistance, technical support, and protective measures against risks such as rent increases or evictions. It also underscores the importance of multi-level governance, coordination with other European directives, and strengthening the renovation value chain. Drawing on the analysis of Hungary, Poland, and Romania, the document illustrates how to adapt policy packages to diverse national contexts and how to scale up interventions that combine energy efficiency, affordability, and social equity.