At the start of 2026, BUILD UP continues its mission to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by structuring its editorial content around a new cycle of Topics of the Month (ToM). These topics reflect key priorities of the recast EPBD, and are designed to support their effective implementation on the ground.

Through these ToM, BUILD UP provides a shared space for policy makers, civil servants, practitioners, companies and local actors to exchange knowledge, showcase solutions and contribute to the practical uptake of EU policies. Contributions may take the form of articles, case studies, project results, tools, events or other relevant resources.

BUILD UP Topics of the Month (ToM)

January. ‘Guiding the journey: renovation passports as catalysts for deep building renovation’

Renovation Passports are a cornerstone of the recast EPBD: defined under Article 12 and Annex VIII, renovation passports provide building‑level, staged renovation roadmaps that support owners in planning deep renovations in line with long‑term energy performance objectives, as explained in the overview article ‘From policy to practice: how renovation Passports empower Europe’s Renovation Wave’. This Topic of the Month will delve into how renovation passports complement EPCs, SRI and IEQ provisions, and how they rely on robust data, digital building logbooks, BIM/AI tools and tailored financing to become credible, usable instruments for owners and professionals. By highlighting emerging national schemes and EU-funded projects (as in the living news item ‘Renovation passports in action across Europe’), the portal acts as a hub for sharing templates, methodological guidance, case studies and digital tools that make renovation passports more accessible and effective, and that connect the regulatory ambition of the EPBD with practical, high-quality building renovation.

February. ‘Bridging the data gap for full EPBD implementation’

February addresses one of the main cross-cutting challenges for building decarbonisation: data availability, quality and interoperability. Articles 16 and 22 of the recast EPBD underline the importance of data exchange and functional databases on the energy performance of buildings.

This topic will examine how improved data governance supports evidence-based policymaking, more reliable energy performance certificates, smarter renovation strategies and effective monitoring of EPBD and EED objectives. BUILD UP will showcase initiatives and tools that help standardise, share and use building data across Europe.

March. ‘Towards climate-neutral buildings: implementing zero-emission standards’

In March, BUILD UP turns to the implementation of zero-emission buildings, as defined under Articles 7 and 11 of the recast EPBD. The topic focuses on how new buildings and deep renovations can meet increasingly ambitious performance and emissions requirements. 

April. ‘Energy communities and citizen-driven renovation’

April explores the role of energy communities in accelerating building renovation and the deployment of zero-emission technologies in buildings. The topic aligns with the forthcoming Citizens Energy Package, intended to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources, while ensuring a just transition in which all citizens can be actively involved and fully protected, and builds on the principles set out in the EPBD and EED regarding consumer empowerment and collective action. 

May. You decide the Topic of the Month

For May, the BUILD UP community will be invited to select the Topic of the Month. An online survey will allow readers and contributors to vote for the theme they consider most relevant. This participatory approach ensures that the editorial agenda reflects the priorities of the community.

June. ‘Heat pumps driving the energy transition in buildings’

June focuses on heat pumps as a central technology for decarbonising heating and cooling in buildings. The topic is closely linked to several provisions of the EPBD, including Articles 7, 8, 11 and 17, which address minimum energy performance requirements, zero-emission buildings and enabling financial frameworks. Contributions will highlight policy developments, market trends, technical solutions and best practices that support the phase-out of fossil fuel boilers and the large-scale deployment of efficient, low-carbon heating systems, in line with EU electrification and heating and cooling strategies.

July–August. ‘Cooling for all: sustainable and affordable comfort in Europe’s buildings’

During the summer months, BUILD UP will address the growing challenge of cooling in a warming-up climate. The focus will be on energy-efficient cooling solutions, passive design strategies and measures to ensure thermal comfort while reducing energy demand and addressing energy vulnerability.

A call to the BUILD UP community

These first Topics of the Month for 2026 set the direction for a year of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in support of EU building and energy policies. 

Interested in contributing content to any of these topics? BUILD UP invites its community to contribute expertise, practical experiences and innovative solutions to any of these topics. Just a few simple steps and your content will help to build the future of energy efficiency in Europe.