What challenge will shape the European agenda on buildings and sustainability this December? BUILD UP invites its community to take part in a new survey to select the next Topic of the Month.

The four proposed topics address some of the key challenges shaping the future of Europe’s built environment, from industrialisation and affordability to building performance and social equity. Explore the topics below and vote for the one you consider most relevant for the sector.

1. Construction 4.0: industrialisation and affordability

As pressure grows to renovate faster and more affordably, the industrialisation of construction is once again gaining momentum. This topic would examine how digitalisation, automation, off-site manufacturing and prefabrication are transforming construction and renovation processes, with particular attention to cost reduction, productivity and scalability.

The debate would also address the role of SMEs, the transformation of supply chains and new business models aimed at accelerating project delivery without compromising building quality or performance.

2. Renovating the worst-performing buildings

Decarbonising Europe’s least efficient buildings remains one of the most complex challenges of the energy transition. This topic would explore practical approaches to improving the performance of the worst-performing buildings, including:

• The implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in practice
• Approaches to targeting and prioritising worst-performing buildings
• Deep renovation versus staged renovation strategies
• Technical, financial, social and regulatory barriers 

• National experiences and case studies supporting the objectives of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

   

3. Raising energy performance requirements in buildings: challenges and opportunities

As Europe advances towards a zero-emission building stock, energy performance requirements are becoming an increasingly important policy and market driver. This topic would explore how higher performance standards can accelerate the energy transition while ensuring feasibility and affordability.

The debate would address issues such as:

• Defining minimum energy performance requirements for buildings
• Cost-effective pathways to improve building performance
• Balancing ambition, affordability and market readiness
• Energy performance requirements for new and existing buildings
• Supporting the transition towards zero-emission buildings

4. Affordability and social equity in the energy transition

The transition towards a low-carbon building stock is also raising important questions about fairness, inclusion and access to support. This topic would focus on:

• Energy poverty and support for vulnerable households
• The distribution of costs between owners, tenants and the public sector
• The role of the Social Climate Fund and the implications of ETS2
• Social and economic barriers to renovation
• Policies needed to ensure an inclusive and fairer energy transition

Now it is the BUILD UP community’s turn. Take part in the survey and help shape the portal’s editorial agenda.

The selected topic will guide BUILD UP’s editorial activities throughout December 2026, including articles, interviews, publications, tools, events, and other community contributions.