A significant portion of Europe’s architectural inventory consists of aged structures, many of which carry historical and cultural significance. Over 220 million properties, accounting for 85% of the region’s buildings, were constructed before 2001, and the majority exhibit subpar energy efficiency. Buildings contribute to 40% of the EU’s overall energy consumption and are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, 85-95% of the current structures are expected to endure until 2050.

The shift towards sustainable energy represents a core principle in EU legislation, as evident in initiatives like the European Green Deal, Fit for 55 plan, and REPowerEU plan. The European Commission is actively formulating a Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Roadmap for the built environment, slated for release by the end of 2023. Key instruments in EU policy, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, concentrate on enhancing energy efficiency within the building sector. Their objective is to attain climate neutrality in buildings by 2050, mandating zero emissions for all new constructions by 2028.

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