In January 2025, the European Commission launched the Competitiveness Compass, a tool to guide strategic action over the next five years and reignite Europe’s economy. Within this framework, the digital transformation of the construction sector is emerging as both a necessity and a catalyst for greater competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability.

Digitalisation and smart technologies provide a pathway to affordable, adaptable, and scalable solutions. The BuildON project introduces an innovative Smart Transformer Toolbox (STT) to enable the seamless integration of diverse energy management systems, supporting automation, control, and optimisation.

Smart solutions address building needs amid climate, net-congestion, and comfort challenges. A holistic approach, matching the needs of diverse stakeholders and taking existing technology and cybersecurity in account, is essential.

Energy Performance Certificates are key to improving building efficiency, but their reliability and harmonisation remain challenging. With ambitious environmental targets at stake, Europe is racing to unlock their full potential and ensure they drive real change.