Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is becoming one of the most immediate and effective strategies for advancing the decarbonisation of the built environment. With most of Europe’s building stock still expected to be in use in 2050, the challenge is no longer only about building better, but about renovating existing buildings at scale in order to sustainably reduce the operational emissions associated with heating, cooling and energy consumption.

A recent opinion article by the head of Holcim, published in The Engineer, argues that extending the lifespan of existing buildings through renovation and retrofit can play a major role in decarbonisation efforts. By improving building envelopes, upgrading systems and reducing energy demand, existing buildings can significantly lower their operational emissions while avoiding the carbon impacts associated with demolition and reconstruction.

In this context, European initiatives such as the Renovation Wave and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) are driving deep renovations, greater integration of renewable energy sources, and new tools such as Building Renovation Passports. The analysis also highlights the need to industrialise renovation through prefabricated solutions, digitalisation and scalable models capable of accelerating interventions. Alongside this, circular construction and improvements to the building thermal envelope are emerging as key measures to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and strengthen comfort and urban resilience.