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Nearly zero-energy buildings

Green Building Solutions

Indoor Environmental Quality

10/07/2026

Maria Kapsalaki

The image shows a panoramic view of a dense and compact city, characterised by a high concentration of buildings, urban infrastructure and a continuous urban fabric extending towards the surrounding hills. The scene highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with urban planning, energy efficiency and climate adaptation in growing urban environments.

The free degrees: how sustainable, passive-first cooling can save lives, money and food

Global cooling demand is rising rapidly alongside global warming. A new United Nations report explores how access to thermal comfort can be expanded without worsening the climate crisis.

Heating and cooling, including at the district level

10/07/2026

Editorial team

Energy Efficiency First: Seeding change and maximising multiple impacts

The event explores how applying the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle can guide smarter investments and policies across Europe. Experts will share practical tools and insights to embed multiple impacts into planning and decision‑making.

Editorial team

Expert talk: Matthaios Santamouris

This month, we delve into ‘Cooling for all: making comfort sustainable and affordable in Europe's buildings’ with Matthaios Santamouris, Professor of High-Performance Architecture, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at UNSW Sydney.

Policy and regulatory developments at EU, national or regional levels

Societal issue where these relate to the energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings

Green Building Solutions

Indoor Environmental Quality

Editorial team

The image shows a large rooftop fitted with multiple air conditioning and ventilation units arranged across the building’s surface. The scene illustrates the technical infrastructure required for thermal management and ventilation in large-scale buildings, such as commercial, industrial or logistics facilities.

Energy-efficient and climate-friendly air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps: model regulation guidelines

Improving the efficiency of cooling systems can reduce both emissions and energy costs. A new United Nations publication sets out updated criteria to accelerate this transition.

Policy and regulatory developments at EU, national or regional levels

Policy and regulatory developments at EU, national or regional levels

09/07/2026

Editorial team

The image shows four people posing at an institutional event in front of an information display related to healthy and sustainable homes. The formal setting and corporate branding suggest a presentation, collaboration or outreach event in the field of construction and energy efficiency.

Towards a European agenda for healthier homes

Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU offers an opportunity to strengthen the link between housing, health and energy efficiency, placing healthy homes at the centre of the European debate.

Societal issue where these relate to the energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings

Indoor Environmental Quality

09/07/2026

Editorial team

Panel discussion at the BUILD UP Event 2025, with speakers seated on stage beside BUILD UP banners

Save the date: BUILD UP event on financing building renovation

The next BUILD UP event will focus on financing energy-efficient buildings and will take place on 29 September 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

Energy Performance Certification, Building Renovation Passports, Smart Readiness and Energy

Policy and regulatory developments at EU, national or regional levels

Societal issue where these relate to the energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings

Financial support for energy efficiency in buildings, research and innovation

08/07/2026

Editorial team

Why interface design matters for user acceptance of smart buildings

A new paper from researchers at TU Delft examines how people interact with smart lighting and shading controls, showing that user acceptance depends less on the technology itself than on how intuitive, accessible and informative the interface is.

Zero-emission buildings