A set of recommendations to support Member States in preparing their National Building Renovation Plans aligned with the zero-emission buildings standard and the EU’s 2050 climate objectives.
The 2024 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive redefines the policy framework for transforming Europe’s building stock into a fully decarbonised stock by 2050. The shift from long-term strategies to National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), together with the introduction of the zero-emission buildings (ZEB) standard, entails a more demanding methodological and regulatory approach.
The report, developed within the framework of the IWG5-CSA project, combines desk research with a survey of national and sectoral representatives to identify barriers and formulate recommendations. Key challenges include administrative complexity, financing needs, data gaps, and the limited involvement of key stakeholders. In the case of ZEBs, high upfront costs, the integration of renewables, and regulatory clarity emerge as recurring obstacles.
The document highlights the need for integrated approaches that strengthen interministerial coordination, align NBRPs with instruments such as the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) and Social Climate Plans, and incorporate new requirements related to life-cycle performance and the global warming potential of buildings. Only through coherent planning, supported by adequate funding and a solid technical foundation, will Member States be able to translate regulatory ambition into tangible results for the European built environment.
