02.06.2025 – Roundtable: Introduction of minimum energy performance standards for the worst-performing public buildings
To achieve its climate neutrality targets by 2050, the European Union (EU) has identified the construction sector as one of the most critical areas for intervention. Currently, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A large share of the European building stock, particularly in Central and Eastern European countries, is outdated and energy-inefficient, making the energy transition impossible without sustained renovation efforts.
In this context, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) have been proposed by the European Commission as a key instrument to accelerate renovations and ensure a decarbonisation pathway for buildings. MEPS set a minimum energy performance level for certain types of buildings, especially those with the poorest energy performance, with the aim of gradually phasing out the most inefficient units from the national building stock.
A consultation roundtable on the implementation of MEPS in Romania was held by EPG in the context of the development of this national guide and brought together building energy efficiency experts alongside representatives of central authorities responsible for transposing the EPBD and defining the legislative and policy framework necessary for the application of MEPS.
This online meeting was a first step in facilitating dialogue among national decision-makers and key stakeholders in the field of building energy efficiency and identifying solutions that will ensure the implementation of these standards in line with the requirements set out by the EPBD, while also being effective, feasible, and tailored to the national context.
07.07.2025 – Roundtable: Renovation of Public Buildings and Implementation of MEPS Standards
EPG organised a policy-oriented roundtable that brought together representatives from various municipalities and key stakeholders and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
The discussions focused on clarifying institutional responsibilities, identifying possible barriers to implementation, and adapting the national MEPS guide to local realities. This guide, to be developed within the REDESIGN project, aims to support national and local authorities across Central and Eastern Europe in the process of introducing and applying MEPS for the worst-performing public buildings. It provides a methodological framework and practical solutions to facilitate the planning and implementation of efficient and sustainable renovations.
The roundtable was an important step in ensuring that the upcoming country-tailored guiding framework is realistic and takes into account local specificities.
