Insulation of the walls, windows, doors, roofs, and floors (together, the building envelope) can significantly improve the efficiency of heating and cooling of the indoor environment, thereby conserving energy and limiting CO2 emissions. The new technologies and processes of all the individual components can reduce the environmental impact of a building and improve the comfort of its users.

For example, green walls and roofs reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, sequester carbon, have an aesthetic appeal, provide a positive psychological impact on urban dwellers, can support biodiversity and animal habitats, and provide a level of sound proofing.

This Trend Paper looks at recent policies and practical initiatives to foster the implementation of innovative solutions to renovate building envelopes. These include fixing and installing prefabricated elements, integrating renewable energy systems and services, and green envelopes.

The Paper examines the drivers, opportunities, and challenges around their adoption. Finally, a set of conclusions are drawn for EU policy makers and other relevant actors on how to support and foster the adoption of technologies to renovate building envelopes.

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