The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), officially published on 8 May 2024, constitutes the EU’s key legislative framework for buildings. Originally adopted in 2002, the latest version of the directive is part of the European Green Deal, the flagship initiative of the European Commission for the 2019–2024 mandate, aimed at 'transforming the EU economy for a sustainable future.' These objectives are structured around seven thematic principles that have influenced the EPBD revision: prioritising energy efficiency, affordability, decarbonisation and integration of renewable energy, a life-cycle approach and circularity, the dual challenge of the digital and green transitions, respect for aesthetics and architectural quality, and high standards for health and environmental protection.

May 2026 marks the deadline for transposing this directive. That is why the 'Delivering the EPBD' guide, developed by the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE), aims to provide experts with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle this challenge.

The BPIE guide is intended to serve as a practical roadmap, providing clarity on legal provisions and outlining options not only in terms of policy measures but also planning instruments, funding programmes, and advisory mechanisms. It also establishes practical steps to help Member States design and implement effective policies on time, simplifying and streamlining the process. The document includes 80 recommendations and 60 examples of best practices, offering national, regional, and local policymakers a broad range of solutions tailored to different contexts. Each section or in-depth analysis also contains a list of additional resources to explore various topics and enhance the reader’s understanding.

The ultimate goal of the BPIE guide is to achieve a zero-emission building stock by 2050, integrating social justice throughout the process to address issues such as energy security, energy poverty and vulnerable households, economic competitiveness, and climate resilience.