Energy Renovation of Existing Buildings in the EU
About this book
Energy Renovation of Existing Buildings in the EU, published by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, provides a comprehensive assessment of the scale, pace, and drivers of energy renovation activity in the European Union building stock. As the scientific and technical reference for EU buildings policy in this area, it informs the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) revision, the Renovation Wave strategy, and national Long-Term Renovation Strategies required from all member states under Article 2a of the EPBD. The JRC report establishes a clear baseline problem: the EU building stock comprises approximately 220 million residential buildings and several hundred million square metres of non-residential floor area, of which approximately 75% were built before 1990 energy efficiency standards became widespread and remain highly energy inefficient.
Average renovation rates affecting energy performance (deep or major renovations improving EPC rating by at least two classes) are estimated at below 1% of floor area per year — a rate that, if maintained, would take over 100 years to renovate the entire stock. The report analyses renovation rates by country, finding extraordinary variation: some member states with strong public renovation programmes and long-established energy certificate requirements (Denmark, Germany, France) achieve rates approaching 2-3%, while others (Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia) show rates below 0.5%. The relationship between energy poverty — defined as households spending more than 10% of income on energy — and low renovation rates is examined, with energy-poor households often owning the worst-performing stock but lacking the capital for renovation investment.
The Renovation Wave strategy target of at least doubling the energy renovation rate by 2030 is analysed in terms of investment requirements: approximately €275 billion per year in additional renovation investment is needed beyond current levels. Public financing mechanisms (Energy Renovation Revolving Funds, ETS innovation fund, Cohesion Fund, Recovery and Resilience Facility), ESCO models, and on-bill financing schemes are evaluated as tools for mobilising the necessary investment at scale. Technical analysis covers the renovation measures with highest energy impact: roof insulation, external wall insulation, high-performance window replacement, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and heat pump installation.
Aggregated savings potential is quantified as a 60-80% reduction in primary energy consumption for deep whole-building renovation.