_{Source: blog.mannigroup.com}

The European Commission’s 2023 assessment of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) reveals a mixed picture across the EU. While most Member States have set targets for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings by 2030, progress remains uneven. Some countries, such as Croatia and Cyprus, are already below their 2030 energy targets, while others, including Hungary and the Netherlands, are falling behind. The report underscores the importance of aligning national strategies with the EU’s broader climate objectives.

Building renovation is central to the EU’s decarbonisation agenda, yet data on renovation rates remains fragmented and incomplete. Only a handful of countries report consistent figures, and the depth and scope of renovations vary widely. Although most Member States aim for annual renovation rates between 1.5% and 3%, this falls short of the levels needed to meet the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal. The report calls for more ambitious and harmonised national renovation plans, particularly in light of the 2024 recast EPBD.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and inspection schemes are also under scrutiny. While 70% of Member States base their EPCs on energy indicators, the lack of standardisation hampers comparability. Moreover, around 20% of countries have adopted alternative measures in place of regular inspections, but only a minority have quantified their impact. The report stresses the need for improved data collection and a more consistent approach to assessing building performance across the EU.

Looking ahead, the report estimates that if current national plans are followed, the EU could achieve a 14% reduction in final energy use and a 35% cut in direct emissions from buildings by 2030. However, these figures still fall short of the EU’s Climate Target Plan. The forthcoming National Building Renovation Plans, due in 2025, are expected to raise ambition and bring Member States closer to the EU’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.