This document, entitled "Unblocking energy potential certificates: the key to greener buildings" discusses the importance of the role of energy performance certificates (EPC) in improving energy efficiency buildings in Europe and the challenges associated with their reliability and harmonisation.

The document emphasizes that Buildings in Europe consume 40% of total energy and produce more than one third of greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. The alarming fact is that approximately 75% of the European building stock is energy inefficient a 85% of today's buildings will still exist in 2050, with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by this year. In addition, 80% energy for buildings comes from fossil fuels, which highlights the urgency of targeting the construction sector as part of climate action efforts.

Although it is estimated that better energy-efficient buildings can increase their market value by up to 15%, a survey by the International Union of Property Owners (UIPI) shows that this is not the main motivator for renovations. Owner-occupiers are primarily motivated by maintenance, property preservation, improving comfort and reducing monthly expensesAlthough Awareness of energy efficiency is growing and tenants are starting to take an interest in it, it is not yet systematic and its added value when renting and selling depends on the local market.

The document explains that Energy certificates (EPC) They aim to promote bottom-up engagement and awareness in the field of renovation. EPCs measure the energy performance of buildings on a scale from A (energy efficient) to G (energy inefficient)Their issuance is based on evaluations of parameters such as insulation and heating and cooling systems, carried out by a technicianThe EPC includes a report with a summary of the assessment and recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building.

Despite their potential, EPCs still suffer from limited coverage and a lack of harmonisation between European countries, which reduces their acceptance and effectiveness for policymakers. There is variability in results from different certifiers and inconsistencies in methodology and assessment capabilities, which leads to limited trust of property ownersThe UIPI survey showed that 40% landlords and property owners do not consider EPCs reliable.

Project iEPB (coordinated by architect and researcher Eva Segarra) focuses on improving EPC synchronization with other certification tools, such as Smart Readiness Indicator a Building Renovation PassportThe goal is reduce the cost, time and complexity of the assessment through the creation common data model ("iEPB schema")It is also developing web application, which integrates various assessment tools and provides clear information to end users.

Revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) emphasized the need for a common database of data on the European construction fund and established ambitious goals, as they are zero on-site fossil fuel emissions for all public buildings by 2028 and renovation of 26% of the worst performing non-residential buildings by 2033However, there are concerns about the attainability of these goals without adequate support and awareness raisingThe EPBD includes various provisions relating to standards for new buildings, renovation requirements, improvements to the EPC framework and updates to technical building systems.

The document calls on stakeholders to: involved in the preparation of National Building Renovation Plans until 2050, which Member States will propose in 2025. These plans should be developed in consultation with all stakeholders at national level.

Furthermore, the document points out that rising gas prices and geopolitical tensions they remind that 48 million Europeans live in energy poverty. The solution to energy efficiency in buildings therefore also has social dimension, as vulnerable households often live in the worst performing buildings. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings can therefore improve the lives of those who need it most. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Energy efficiency: The ability to use less energy to provide the same or better performance or service. In the context of buildings, it refers to reducing the energy consumption required for heating, cooling, lighting, and operating appliances.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Climate neutrality: A state where human activity does not result in a net increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This usually means a balance between emissions and removals.
• Building Energy Certificate (EPC): A document that assesses the energy performance of a building, providing information on its energy consumption and potential for improvement. It usually includes a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and recommendations for improvement.
• Harmonization: The process of unifying or harmonizing different standards, regulations or procedures, in this case in the context of the EPC in different European countries.
• Smart Readiness Indicator: A tool for assessing a building's readiness to use smart technologies and solutions to improve its operations, energy efficiency, and interaction with users and the energy grid.
• Building Renovation Passport: A document that contains an individualized plan for gradual renovations of a building with the aim of achieving high energy efficiency.
• iEPB scheme: A common data model developed by the iEPB project to simplify and unify the collection, exchange and integration of data from various building assessments (including EPC, Smart Readiness Indicator and Building Renovation Passport).
• Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): A European Union directive that aims to improve the energy performance of buildings within the EU through various measures such as minimum energy performance requirements, certification and inspections.
• National building renovation plans: Strategic documents developed by EU Member States that set out long-term strategies and measures for decarbonisation and the renewal of the national building stock.
• Energy poverty: A situation where a household does not have access to basic energy services (such as heating, lighting, cooling) at an affordable price, which can have negative impacts on health and well-being.