BUILD UP is opening the discussion for May’s Topic of the Month. Four thematic proposals reflect some of the most pressing policy and market questions facing Europe’s building sector. 

We would love for you to share your opinion by ranking them based on your level of interest. 

These are the options with a brief explanation of the areas included.  

From performance gap to real performance 

This proposal would examine how to move beyond the limits of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to address the gap between design intent and measured in-use performance. The debate would explore: 

• the role of Construction Products Regulation
• the role of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in improving transparency
• the integration of Digital Product Passports to strengthen material traceability
• the inclusion of comfort and health indicators as part of a building’s effective performance 

The future of affordable renovation 

Affordability remains central to the implementation of the recast EPBD. This topic would examine how the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast reshapes the affordability challenge by linking deep renovation requirements with the financial and social instruments needed to support households. The analysis would consider the impact of the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport ETS2 on heating costs, the design of Social Climate Plans to protect vulnerable groups, the risk of market volatility as Next Generation EU (NGEU) funding phases out, and the need for stable, long‑term support schemes capable of mobilising private finance for renovation at scale. 

The discussion would address how to reconcile ambition with social fairness and investment certainty.

Scaling deep renovation 

Moving from pilot projects to systemic transformation remains one of the sector’s main challenges. This topic would analyse how deep renovation can be expanded from isolated projects to a systemic, large‑scale transformation of the building stock. The debate would cover: 

• the delivery requirements introduced by the recast EPBD
• the strengthening of local implementation structures and one-stop-shops
• workforce and supply-chain capacity constraints
• the role of long-term financing frameworks in ensuring replicability and market stability. 

The emphasis would be on practical conditions for scaling up renovation across Member States.
 

From smart buildings to human-centred buildings 

This proposal would shift the focus towards the human dimension of buildings. The discussion would consider: indoor environmental quality, health and comfort; sufficiency and user behaviour; natural ventilation and passive solutions; and the role of education and awareness in shaping performance outcomes. 

The objective would be to broaden the definition of building performance beyond digitalisation and automation.

The choice now rests on you, as a member of the BUILD UP community. Take part in the survey and help define the debate that will shape May’s editorial focus.