How can Article 9 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) be effectively implemented across Europe?
A new report from the EPBD.wise project explores how minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and residential renovation trajectories can be implemented across all 27 EU Member States.
Building on previous analyses of selected countries, the study expands its scope to the entire EU, using advanced building-stock modelling to assess renovation pathways across five policy scenarios. The analysis identifies eight clusters of Member States with similar characteristics and examines representative examples from Ireland, Italy, Czechia, Germany, Lithuania and Croatia.
The findings highlight the important role of regulatory measures in accelerating building renovation. In particular, the combination of minimum energy performance standards, fossil boiler phase-out measures and targeted financial support proves effective in helping buildings meet future energy performance requirements. The report also shows that market-based instruments alone are unlikely to deliver the scale of renovation needed in the residential sector.
The report concludes with four key policy priorities: improving building stock data, integrating MEPS within broader policy frameworks, ensuring adequate support for vulnerable households, and embedding renovation trajectories within National Building Renovation Plans.
The analysis demonstrates that ambitious building renovation policies can be successfully implemented across Europe when supported by reliable data, appropriate financing mechanisms and strong institutional capacity.
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