As part of the EPBD.wise project, we’re excited to present insights from experts behind key reports on Europe’s evolving energy performance certification (EPC) landscape. These interviews dive into the most pressing challenges and innovative solutions for implementing the EPBD’s updated requirements. The authors Cátia Carvalho and João Cleto share perspectives on everything from aligning national policies with EU standards to improving data consistency across Member States, enhancing public perception of EPCs, and ensuring high-quality assessments. These conversations shed light on the EPBD.wise project’s forward-thinking approaches to improving building energy performance and promoting sustainable practices across Europe.

What’s the biggest challenge for countries when implementing the updated EPC requirements?

The biggest challenge for countries implementing updated EPC requirements is balancing immediate actions with long-term sustainability. Many Member States face a lack of technical expertise, trained auditors, and funding. Harmonising EPC class scales across the EU adds complexity, though Article 19 of the EPBD offers some flexibility for countries adjusting their scales.

Aligning EPCs with other frameworks like the Zero Emission Building (ZEB) standard, Renovation Passports (RPs) and Minimum Energy Performance Requirements (MEPS) requires strategic coordination to avoid overlap. Engaging stakeholders and developing robust quality assurance mechanisms are crucial but resource intensive.  

Public acceptance is also a hurdle, as many countries struggle to effectively communicate the benefits of EPCs. Finally, adapting these requirements to each country’s building stock and policies demands careful planning for sustainable energy efficiency.

EPC databases seem to need more standardisation across countries. Can you explain the current situation and what steps are needed for full integration across Europe?

The current state of EPC databases across Europe is inconsistent. Each Member State has its own way of managing EPCs, leading to varying energy performance calculation methods and detail levels. This diversity makes cross-border data analysis and policy harmonisation challenging.

To fix this, Europe needs standardised guidelines for EPC data collection, calculation methods, and certification processes. Harmonising these elements, along with linking databases to initiatives like the EU Building Stock Observatory, would make tracking building energy performance much easier. Article 22 of the EPBD recast already supports improved data sharing, which is a key step forward.

A centralised, interoperable EPC database system would boost consistency and accessibility across Member States. Implementing standardised quality assurance measures, such as regular audits and auditor training, will ensure reliability.

Leveraging advanced technologies, like digital platforms and distributed ledger systems, can streamline data management and enhance transparency.

Engaging stakeholders from public authorities to the private sector is crucial for widespread adoption and effectiveness, and collaboration between Member States to share best practices is vital to strengthen the process.

Lastly, a strong legislative framework is essential to set the standards for EPC databases and ensure compliance, aligning them with broader EU energy and climate goals.

Many people view EPCs as a bureaucratic task rather than something beneficial. How can we change public perception to make people value EPCs more?

Changing public perception of EPCs from a bureaucratic chore to a valuable tool requires a multi-faceted approach centred on education and effective communication. Campaigns need to focus on the tangible benefits of EPCs—like uncovering energy-saving opportunities, cutting energy bills, and boosting property value. Using relatable messaging and real-life examples helps homeowners see the real advantages.

Community engagement is key. Local governments, real estate agents, and energy efficiency experts can help spread the word. Hosting workshops and forums where people can ask questions and hear success stories makes the information more personal and relatable.

One-stop shops are another game-changer. They simplify the process by offering comprehensive support, from guiding homeowners through EPC assessments to helping them access renovation funds. Linking EPCs to financial incentives or renovation programs can shift the perception, making them a gateway to home improvements.

Streamlining the EPC process and making information more accessible will also ease frustration and increase engagement. Sharing success stories of homeowners who have seen significant energy savings through EPC-driven measures will help create a positive narrative around their role in sustainability.

Ensuring quality and training of EPC assessors is crucial. What are some effective ways to improve the quality and reliability of EPC assessments?

Improving the quality and reliability of EPC assessments is key to ensuring accurate evaluations and building public trust. One way to achieve this is by implementing comprehensive training programs for EPC assessors, focusing on the latest energy efficiency technologies and assessment methods. Regular refresher courses and certification renewals will help maintain high standards.

A strong quality assurance framework is critical. This could include independent reviews and random inspections to audit assessments for accuracy and compliance. Peer reviews can add an extra layer of oversight, ensuring assessors follow best practices.

Clear guidelines for data collection, calculation methods, and reporting are essential for consistency. Digital tools can streamline the process, improve data accuracy, and facilitate information sharing among assessors.

Collaboration with experts in developing quality standards ensures that all sectors’ needs are considered. Promoting transparency, such as making assessment reports publicly available, boosts accountability and encourages continuous improvement.

Ultimately, combining thorough training, quality assurance, standardisation, and transparency will raise the bar for EPC assessments, enhancing the effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives.

How feasible is it to integrate additional indicators like life-cycle global warming potential and smart readiness in EPCs, and what are the main challenges?

Integrating additional indicators like life-cycle global warming potential (LCA-GWP) and smart readiness into EPCs can greatly improve energy assessments, but there are challenges to overcome.

First, standardised methodologies are critical to ensure consistent assessment and quantification across Member States. Without common standards, variations in data and methods can slow down integration, making comparability difficult.

Second, assessors need technical expertise to evaluate these new indicators, requiring investment in training and capacity building.

There’s also a risk that adding more indicators could complicate the EPC framework, potentially confusing stakeholders. Clear communication about the benefits and implications is key to gaining acceptance.

Finally, regulatory alignment is crucial to ensure LCA-GWP and smart readiness can be integrated without creating redundancies or policy conflicts. Despite these challenges, incorporating these indicators will significantly strengthen EPCs and advance energy efficiency and sustainability in the building sector.

Several best practices, like the Portuguese quality system and Sweden’s assessor training, are highlighted in the report. What makes these examples easy to replicate in other countries?

The quality assessment system and expert training program in these countries set a high bar for energy performance certification (EPC) and offer replicable best practices.

First, the quality assessment system ensures rigorous quality assurance, with assessments categorised by compliance levels—compliant, compliant with observations, and non-compliant—each with assigned severity for targeted action. Site visits, document analysis, and open communication between experts and oversight bodies foster collaboration, promoting continuous improvement and shared insights. This interaction strengthens the process and contributes to the evolving effectiveness of EPC assessments.

Second, the expert training program focuses on skill development, requiring assessors to have a solid foundation in building physics, energy systems, and energy efficiency. Ongoing professional development ensures assessors stay current with the latest technologies and methodologies, enhancing both competence and the reliability of EPC assessments.

This well-educated workforce is key to achieving better building energy performance and national energy efficiency goals.

These frameworks are highly replicable, offering consistent methodologies, strong quality assurance, and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Their adaptability to different regulatory contexts makes them feasible for other countries to customize and strengthen their own EPC systems.

What’s next in the EPBD.wise project?

In the next phase of the EPBD.wise project, the focus shifts to putting the developed policy guidelines into action. EPBD.wise will work closely with public authorities in six Member States to design, implement, and evaluate updates to ZEB, NBRP, MEPS, RP, and EPC provisions.

Tailored EPBD implementation guidelines will be created for each country, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine, providing concrete action plans that address national needs while also offering broader recommendations for replication

Stakeholder engagement is a priority, with workshops and bilateral exchanges planned to incorporate diverse perspectives into the policy process. At the same time, enhanced communication strategies will aim to reshape public perceptions of EPCs, promoting them as valuable tools for energy efficiency rather than bureaucratic requirements.

Additionally, continuous monitoring and reporting will track the success of these policies, ensuring they align with EU energy goals. This phase emphasises the practical implementation of guidelines and collaborative efforts to drive energy efficiency in the building sector.

Read the full report here!