Review of 50 years of EU energy efficiency policies for buildings

Energy Retrofitting Opportunities Using Renewable Materials—Comparative Analysis of the Current Frameworks in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia

“…Several European countries have introduced information mechanisms through national and local energy agencies offering advice to building owners and public authorities and/or offered a broad range of financial incentives to facilitate investments in energy efficiency in existing buildings. These incentives range from low-or zero-interest loans (e.g., in Germany and France) to subsidies (grants, tax deduction, white certificates) in Italy, France and Spain [59]. Consequently, in many EU countries, various policy landscapes within the existing grant support schemes are implemented.…”

“…The focus on energy retrofits and/or including energy efficiency measures in routine building maintenance works of existing buildings is justified by the low rate of new constructions in Europe. To this end, it is key to provide more targeted consumer information (e.g., through enhanced energy performance certificates) and financial support through tailored instruments, which empower final users to invest in energy efficiency [59]. Energy efficiency policies for buildings can take the form of regulatory or control instruments, building codes, consumer information campaigns and economic or financial incentives.…”

“…Recently proposed by the European Commission, the European Green Deal is expected to create a tailored policy framework to mobilize all stakeholders in the buildings sector, address any regulatory or other barriers and scale up new innovative mechanisms. This should ultimately act as a catalyst for innovation and bring new opportunities which will not only enhance the energy performance of European buildings but will also ensure future resilience to climate change risks and adequate living conditions for all Europeans [59].…”

Comment on Pietrapertosa et al. How to Prioritize Energy Efficiency Intervention in Municipal Public Buildings to Decrease CO2 Emissions? A Case Study from Italy. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 4434

“…The paper by Pietrapertosa et al [ 1 ] presents a method and obtained results in energy saving proposals in public buildings in Potenza Municipality. The problem of energy consumption decrease in public and residential buildings resonates in the European society for decades [ 2 , 3 ]. Step by step legislation changes and development of new materials and technologies support deep renovation activities [ 4 ] such as outer envelope insulation, windows replacement, air conditioning system installation, photovoltaic panels installation, heat source (boiler) replacement, lighting system refit, etc.…”

ALDREN: A Methodological Framework to Support Decision-Making and Investments in Deep Energy Renovation of Non-Residential Buildings

“…Another important aspect is the inclusion of climate change impact on buildings. New extreme, short periods of intense cold or heat are likely to have an influence on both heating and cooling loads as well as best efficiency measures chosen to reach the Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) target [5].…”