IDEAL EPBD: Improving Dwellings by Enhancing Actions on Labelling for the EPBD

This project aimed at improving the implementation of the EPBD in order to realise the full energy savings potential by defining Member State specific policy recommendations to change home owner and stakeholder behaviour. Across Europe, there are large energy efficiency potentials in the existing housing stock. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aims to tap into these potentials through the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that inform homeowners about the energy consumption of their home and often include recommendations to increase energy efficiency. The European Commission’s Energy Action Plan 2011-20202 acknowledges that current policy measures do not suffice to meet its 2020 target of 20% energy consumption reduction and that more stringent policy implementation as well as innovative policy actions are needed. The Improving Dwellings by Enhancing Actions on Labelling for the EPBD (IDEAL EPBD) project, studied energy labels and other drivers and barriers to energy efficiency renovations of single-family houses. Based on research in 10 EU Member States, policy recommendations have been developed. These recommendations focus on more effective implementation of the EPBD as well as on ways to increase the effectiveness of the EPC and the support for energy efficiency renovations.