The 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets ambitious goals to decarbonize the EU’s building sector, introducing new standards and enhancing existing tools. This Policy Needs Report offers a detailed analysis of what Member States require to successfully implement the directive’s key provisions. It serves as a critical resource for EU and national policymakers, stakeholders as well as practitioners working to create a climate-resilient, socially inclusive building sector. Based on the identified policy needs, the EPBD.wise project will develop policy guidelines for effective EPBD implementation.

The intervention logic of the project follows four phases: and mapping policy needs related to EPBD implementation, 1. understanding policy needs 2. drafting tailormade policy packages for focus countries, and 3. replicating the policy guidelines to all EU Member States 4. communicating and disseminating the project’s findings.

What’s Inside the Report?

• Key Policy Instruments

The report serves as a foundational resource for future work in the EPBD.wise project.

• Zero-emission buildings (ZEBs): Mapping the key challenges and needs for implementing this standard across various building types.
• National building renovation plans (NBRPs): Highlighting the requirements to align renovation strategies with the EU’s long-term energy and climate goals.
• Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and national trajectories: Identifying the necessary frameworks to trigger and support renovation for both residential and non-residential buildings.
• Renovation passports: Exploring the specific needs to enhance accessibility and integration of this tool within broader renovation strategies.
• Energy performance certificates (EPCs): Assessing what is required to strengthen the accuracy and roll-out of EPCs across the EU.

The findings in this report serve as the basis for future policy development, providing essential insights that will guide the development of actionable and tailored solutions for Member States.

Cross-Cutting Policy Needs

The report highlights key policy needs that Member States must address to implement the 2024 EPBD effectively. A key concern is ensuring the affordability and social acceptance of the measures, as these are essential for achieving broad stakeholder support and public buy-in. Flexibility is another critical factor, allowing Member States to adapt policies to the unique characteristics of their national building stocks, which vary significantly in terms of age, ownership structures, and usage patterns. Furthermore, the report underscores the importance of avoiding lock-in effects that could impede long-term decarbonisation goals, ensuring that all implemented measures contribute meaningfully to the EU’s broader energy and climate objectives. 

Evidence-Based Insights

The findings presented in the report are rooted in a robust methodology that combines multiple sources of evidence. These include desk research, stakeholder surveys, bilateral calls, and thematic workshops, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in implementing the directive. Additionally, the analysis is enriched by data drawn from national renovation strategies and energy and climate plans, offering a nuanced understanding of the context and specific needs across the EU. 

Tailored Solutions and Recommendations

This report summarises the current policy needs EU Member States have regarding the implementation of the 2024 EPBD. It provides an overview of the critical areas to be addressed for each policy element included in the EPBD.wise project—namely zero-emission buildings (ZEBs), national building renovation plans (NBRPs), minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and national trajectories, renovation passports, and energy performance certificates (EPCs). The insights aim to help Member States establish the necessary frameworks for decarbonising their building stock.

Why Read This Report?

This document lays the foundation for the next steps of the EPBD.wise project, including drafting tailored policy packages for focus countries and scaling solutions to all EU Member States. By exploring the policy needs outlined here, stakeholders can contribute to the creation of an effective framework for decarbonising the EU’s building stock while ensuring measures remain affordable, socially acceptable, and impactful.