The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) considers the December interinstitutional agreement as a balanced compromise aiding EU building decarbonisation. Also, it welcomes the Directive's mandate for life-cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) calculation for new buildings by 2028 (for those over 1000 square meters) and by 2030 for all. This marks progress towards considering buildings' full life-cycle impact and circular economy principles. Maintenance of minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings is appreciated, although the residential sector adopts a more flexible trajectory. 

Further enhancements include national renovation plans, Renovation Passport, one-stop shops, and indoor environmental quality focus. However, flexibility in Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) distribution among Member States risks comparability. ACE emphasises the need for EPCs to reconcile calculated with actual performance data for meaningful energy and carbon savings indicators.