iBRoad2EPC project

Integrating Building Renovation Passports into Energy Performance Certification schemes for a decarbonised building stock

European Building Stock

Buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. The large majority of buildings are  inefficient energy-wise.

2050 Decarbonisation Targets

The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. For the building sector, this implies radical improvements in energy performance.

Deep Renovation

Many more deep energy renovations are needed for European buildings. The Renovation Wave aims to at least double the annual energy renovation rate of buildings by 2030.

Building Renovation Passports (BRPs)

Building Renovation Passports support deep renovation through comprehensive assessment and identification of effective measures.

Next Generation EPCs

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are used all over Europe to show buildings’ energy efficiency. They can do even more.

Integration

The integration of specific elements from the BRP into EPCs can enhance the latters’ ability to promote and support deep renovations.  

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In support of the Renovation Wave

iBRoad2EPC builds on the results of the iBRoad project (2017-2020) which developed, tested and delivered a model for the Building Renovation Passport (BRP) supporting single-family home-owners with personalised advice to facilitate stepwise deep renovation of their buildings. iBRoad2EPC aims to bridge the Building Renovation Passport with the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and expand, improve and broaden their format and joint scope to consider additional features, e.g., indoor environment and smart technologies, and become applicable also to multi-family and public buildings. The aim is to improve reliability, usefulness and effectiveness, thereby establishing the next generation of EPCs that will support Europe’s decarbonisation ambitions as reflected in the Renovation Wave Strategy, while improving conditions for building occupants.

The 4 main pillars of iBRoad2EPC activities

Assess

linking Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Building Renovation Passports (BRPs)

Assess

the needs, potential and practicability of merging the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with the Building Renovation Passport (BRP).

Adapt

the iBRoad project for integration into Energy Performance Certification schemes

Adapt

iBRoad methods and tools to the national Energy Performance Certification schemes in 6 implementing countries to prepare for their roll out.

Test & Evaluate

the applicability of iBRoad2EPC in 6 countries, including the required training

Test & Evaluate

the applicability of iBRoad2EPC in Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain, including training for energy auditors and EPC issuers.

Facilitate

the adoption and exploitation of the iBRoad2EPC model across Europe

Facilitate

the adoption of the iBRoad2EPC model beyond the pilot countries, as a catalyst for the deep renovation of the European building stock.

From iBRoad to iBRoad2EPC

The iBRoad2EPC project builds on the achievements of iBRoad, broadens the scope of the concept and adapts it to national EPC schemes, to prepare the roll out of next generation EPCs in Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

At least 3 countries are expected to take up the integration of the BRP with the EPC in their national frameworks within the iBRoad2EPC project context, to improve the EPC’s reliability and value. This would increase building renovation depth by 30%, the number of renovations by 5% and achieve 51% final energy savings and 8.2 GWh/year primary energy savings.

To compare the main elements of the two projects, click on and drag the circle in the middle of the image.

iBRoad to iBRoad2EPC 1iBRoad to iBRoad2EPC 2

The greater context

Game changers for deep renovation

Roughly 75% of European buildings are considered inefficient energy-wise, while up to 97% have a significant potential for further improvement. The European Commission has published the Renovation Wave Strategy to boost building renovation for climate neutrality and recovery. The objective is to at least double the annual energy renovation rate of buildings by 2030 and to foster deep energy renovations..

Building Renovation Passports (BRPs)

Stepwise deep renovation of an existing building is possible, but a plan –such as that presented in a BRP– is needed to ensure the full potential is reached.

Digital Building Logbooks (DBLs)

Similarly, a DBL brings together all building-related information, supporting initial assessment, and monitoring of renovation progress and improved performance.  

Advanced
EPCs

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are already a cornerstone of EU’s building policy, and can evolve further to catalyse deep renovation.

Advance praise for iBRoad2EPC

The Directorate General for Urban Agenda and Architecture believes the scope of iBRoad2EPC would be very relevant for examination and possibly integration in the Spanish context.

The Sofia Energy Agency supports the idea of expansion of the national Energy Performance Certification (EPC) scheme to integrate a building-specific customised renovation plan and other relevant features.