How can Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) systems better support the implementation of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
This new report provides practical guidance for EU Member States seeking to strengthen and modernise their EPC systems in line with the requirements of the EPBD (2024/1275). As a key policy instrument, EPCs play an increasingly important role in supporting building renovation strategies, minimum energy performance standards, zero-emission building targets, access to financing, and the monitoring of progress towards climate and energy objectives.
Despite their growing importance, EPC systems across Europe continue to face several common challenges, including fragmented data management, inconsistent quality-assurance procedures, limited usability of recommendations, and low levels of public awareness and engagement.
Based on a comparative assessment of EPC systems in Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary and Poland, the report highlights significant differences in implementation maturity and institutional capacity. These findings underline the need for tailored policy approaches that reflect national circumstances while remaining aligned with common European objectives.
To support this process, the report introduces a replication and clustering framework structured around four key policy dimensions: governance, the core EPC scheme, support functions, and communication. The framework enables policymakers and relevant authorities to identify their current level of development, prioritise reforms, and design proportionate measures that respond to national needs while supporting compliance with EPBD requirements.
The report concludes with a set of practical recommendations covering the consolidation of EPC databases, the harmonisation of calculation methodologies, the training and accreditation of EPC experts, the strengthening of quality control mechanisms, the development of public communication strategies, and the integration of EPC data into monitoring and evaluation systems.
Together, these recommendations provide a structured pathway for improving the effectiveness, reliability and policy relevance of EPC systems across the European Union.
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