The European Union has set ambitious climate and energy targets, emphasising building sector decarbonisation through initiatives like the Climate Target Plan 2030 and the Renovation Wave strategy.

By 2050, all new and existing buildings must achieve zero-emission status per the revised Energy Performance Buildings Directive. 

Plus Energy Buildings (PEBs) play a crucial role by generating surplus renewable energy.

Despite benefits like improved indoor environmental quality and resilience, adoption faces barriers like cost and risk perception.

This guideline promotes PEBs by outlining design principles, technology implementation, and best practices for procurement, construction, and post-occupancy evaluation to accelerate their adoption.

_{Image credit: Giulia Olivieri, Eurac Research}