iEPB is featured in a new article on “How EPCs are shaping new developments in line with the EPBD recast”

Building a greener futute: explaining integrated assessments for EU energy efficiency in the building sector

BuildUP -the European portal for energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings- releases a new technical article focused on how unified certifications and renovation roadmaps are advancing the EU’s decarbonisation and climate goals in the building sector, featuring iEPB and OneClickRENO projects.

The building sector is a major focus in the European Union’s drive to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, representing 40% of energy use and 36% of emissions. Central to these efforts is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), recently revised to support deep renovations, energy efficiency, and a goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The directive prioritizes tools such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Building Renovation Passports (BRPs), with the former assessing current energy status and the latter providing tailored, multi-step renovation plans. This approach underscores the importance of data interoperability among various assessment tools, enhancing both efficiency and information flow across the EU’s building sector.

In line with EPBD goals, EU-funded initiatives like the OneClickRENO (OCR) and iEPB projects support comprehensive building assessments. OCR aims to automate BRP creation, offering tailored renovation pathways, while iEPB promotes a unified data model that integrates EPC, BRP, and Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) into one system. By creating a centralised model for these assessments, iEPB reduces redundant on-site evaluations, increases accessibility, and enhances the coordination of energy performance data for building professionals and policymakers.

Both projects address barriers to energy certification adoption, such as lack of awareness, regulatory complexity, and financial constraints. By consolidating multiple assessments into a single, user-friendly platform, iEPB and OCR aim to lower costs and streamline procedures. They also work towards standardised guidelines to ensure efficient data use and tracking. As these projects advance, they are expected to issue thousands of EPCs, SRIs, and BRPs by 2026, helping the EU make significant strides in building decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

The article was written by Blanca Larraz Sancho-Tello, Eva Lucas Segarra, Ana Sanchis Huertas, Miriam Navarro Escudero (Instituto Valenciano de la Edificación)

Read the full article here.

Featured image by Étienne Beauregard-Riverin- Unsplash