Strategies to Promote Deep Renovation in Existing Buildings

AbstractExisting buildings play a central role in achieving EU climate and energy targets. Consequently, the building sector faces the complex challenge of finding effective solutions to manage both the conservation and renovation of this stock. Given that building energy renovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve EU targets, the European Commission has developed frameworks and regulatory instruments to foster a deep renovation approach. However, progress in achieving the necessary transformation has been slow. The objective of this chapter is to identify strategies and actions that can accelerate the sustainable transformation of the building stock. We focus on the first renovation stage in which it is critical for accurate data to be collected and processed on the state of buildings to improve decision-making processes. By overviewing current policies and instruments, and new technologies and tools applicable to existing buildings, we explore open challenges and room for improvement to fulfil their potential. In this study, we have identified upgraded instruments and tools and new benchmarks, resulting in innovative strategies and actions as drivers for a sustainable transformation. From this perspective, we introduce how more ambitious approaches can lead stakeholders to develop strategies and apply actions towards a regenerative built environment.