Europe’s leaky buildings are in the spotlight. Not only do they swallow 40% of all final energy consumed in the EU, emit 36% GHG emissions and contribute to the suffering of over 100 million people living in energy poverty with high energy bills – they are also at the heart of the last piece of legislation in the Fit-for-55 Package: the EU Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Spain takes the reins of the EU Presidency at a crucial time for the outlook of the Green Deal, with the Buildings Directive entering the final trilogue phase in the second half of the 2023. Boosting the rate and depth of building renovation must be a priority, using all tools available including the Buildings Directive, the EU Recovery funding and the National Building Renovation Plans.

This high-level conference will be the moment to take stock of progress in the Spanish context, take inspiration from good examples on the ground and better understand why an ambitious Buildings Directive is crucial for energy security, climate action, citizens and the industrial competitiveness of Europe.