The updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) marks a turning point for Europe’s building stock, placing stronger emphasis on indoor environmental quality and system modernization. As buildings account for over a third of EU emissions, the recast directive targets deep renovation, smarter energy use, and healthier indoor spaces. New provisions highlight the integration of building automation and control systems (BACS) and introduce indoor air quality monitoring as a core requirement.
Affordable technical improvements now enable better ventilation and thermal comfort, while mandatory standards and monitoring mechanisms are gradually rolled out—starting with large non-residential buildings and expanding over time. The directive also ensures these efforts are visible through energy performance certificates and smart readiness indicators.
With around 85% of today’s buildings expected to still stand in 2050, the EPBD empowers Member States to drive meaningful transformation. This talk outlines the directive’s expanded scope, practical implementation tools, and how its flexibility allows tailored national strategies—making it essential viewing for anyone shaping the future of sustainable buildings.
Silvia Rezessy…
… is an expert in energy efficiency and works for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). She has contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency in buildings and has spoken at events such as ISH 2025, where she presented the new requirements of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. In addition, she has been involved in research on energy service companies (ESCOs) and voluntary agreements in the energy sector.
