New Policy Paper Highlights Path to Zero-Emission Buildings and Neighbourhoods by 2050

A new policy recommendation paper called "Speeding up the implementation of Zero-Emission Buildings and Neighbourhoods through targeted financial policies" illuminates critical policy recommendations for overcoming financial barriers to transforming Europe’s building stock into zero-emission and energy-positive structures, a cornerstone of the EU's climate and energy goals.

With the recent recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) mandating zero-emission buildings by 2030 and the decarbonisation of existing structures by 2050, this paper provides timely guidance. It consolidates insights from eight European research and innovation projects, encompassing 33 demonstration sites, to propose 10 key policy recommendations for national and regional policymakers.

The recommendations focus on:

• Enhancing financial frameworks to accelerate renovation projects.
• Transforming existing buildings into zero-emission neighbourhoods.
• Addressing the barriers faced by various stakeholders within the built environment.

The publication also includes a stakeholder matrix outlining the drivers, barriers, and needs of actors involved in building renovation.

Released as part of a policy workshop at the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2024, this document serves as a roadmap for aligning Member States' legislation with the EPBD by its May 2026 deadline. It underscores the importance of strict and harmonised implementation to achieve a decarbonised EU building stock by mid-century. The paper incorporates what was learned from the following research and demonstration projects: FME ZEN (Research Centre on Zero Emission Neighbourhoods in Smart Cities), ARV, and syn.ikia, CulturalE, EXCESS, SUPER-i, oPEN Lab and the Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative (EEMI).

For policymakers and stakeholders alike, this publication offers actionable insights to drive a sustainable, zero-emission future for Europe.
Read the full publication here.