The European Union, Member States and cities have embarked on a profound and radical renewal of our built environment to rise to the social, economic, and climate challenges of our times.  

The Architects Council of Europe has long advocated for a regulatory framework to enable the creation of healthier, more inclusive and pleasing spaces that are resilient to climate change, are affordable, and can be created and maintained with less energy and the circular use of natural resources.    

Architectural Awards and Prizes are a source of inspiration, demonstrating how the sector can rise to this immense challenge. With the recent adoption of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the New European Bauhaus (NEB) movement, many critical factors will be in place to begin to address these pressing issues.    

The session will be an opportunity for policy makers, practitioners, and the wider public to discuss the barriers and enablers to scaling up design excellence as part of member state adoption of the NEB, Level(s), and the EPBD.