How can Member States implement Minimum Energy Performance Standards under the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive?
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are among the most significant new policy instruments introduced by the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024/1275). Through Article 9, the Directive establishes a framework to improve the energy performance of non-residential buildings and to advance the progressive renovation of the residential building stock across Europe.
This report examines the policy needs associated with implementing Article 9 across the six focus countries of the EPBD.wise project: Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Ukraine. It combines evidence gathered through stakeholder consultations, questionnaires, bilateral discussions and expert workshops with a review of existing experiences and good practices from across the European Union.
The analysis identifies the key challenges that Member States are likely to face when designing and implementing national frameworks for minimum energy performance standards. At the same time, it highlights valuable lessons from countries that have already introduced policy instruments relevant to building renovation obligations and energy performance improvements.
A central finding of the report is that the successful implementation of Article 9 depends on the availability of reliable building stock data and a clear understanding of building performance across different segments of the building sector. Particular attention is given to the non-residential sector, where data limitations continue to present significant challenges for policymakers.
The report identifies five priority policy needs that require further attention. These include improving the availability and quality of building stock data, developing robust methodologies for identifying worst-performing buildings, assessing investment needs and financing mechanisms, strengthening enabling instruments such as Energy Performance Certificates and Renovation Passports, and ensuring high-quality renovation outcomes through appropriate quality assurance measures and workforce development.
The analysis also highlights the importance of creating supportive implementation frameworks that can mobilise both public and private investment while ensuring that renovation measures are technically feasible and socially acceptable.
Rather than providing direct policy recommendations, the report establishes the evidence base upon which future guidance and tailored policy solutions will be developed. As part of the next phase of the EPBD.wise project, these findings will support the preparation of practical implementation guidance for Member States seeking to meet the requirements of Article 9 and accelerate the renovation of Europe’s building stock.
Together with the project’s parallel analyses on Energy Performance Certificates, Renovation Passports and National Building Renovation Plans, this report provides an important foundation for the development of integrated and effective EPBD implementation strategies across Europe.
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