Report on the EU BSO and OBSERVE Project Joint Initiative for EPBD Implementation and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Strategic Alignment with SDGs

A joint initiative has been announced by the EU Building Stock Observatory (EU BSO) and the OBSERVE project to facilitate Member State implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This initiative is strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to translate EU policy into practical national actions that advance global sustainability targets.

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The directive’s focus on improving building energy performance directly contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By promoting the renovation of the building stock, the initiative supports the creation of resilient, safe, and sustainable urban environments.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Enhancing the energy performance of buildings is a critical measure for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the sector.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration between EU-level bodies and Member States exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership to achieve sustainable development.

Core Focus on Data-Driven Implementation for Sustainability

The initiative places significant emphasis on the role of building performance data as a cornerstone for effective EPBD implementation. Robust data governance is presented as essential for monitoring progress towards sustainability targets and fostering innovation in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The operationalisation of key EPBD articles is central to this data-driven approach.

1. Article 3 (National Building Renovation Plans): These plans provide strategic roadmaps for decarbonizing the national building stock, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 11 and SDG 13.
2. Article 16 (Data Requirements): This article establishes a framework for evidence-based policymaking, which is crucial for tracking national contributions to SDG 7 and SDG 13.
3. Article 22 (National Databases): The development of these databases supports the creation of resilient data infrastructure as envisioned in SDG 9, enabling effective monitoring and compliance verification.

Support Mechanisms and Collaborative Action

The EU BSO and OBSERVE project will provide direct support to Member States, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of SDG 17. This support is designed to bridge the gap between EU policy frameworks and national implementation practices.

• Development of national strategies aligned with EU-wide climate and energy goals.
• Streamlining of reporting obligations to ensure coherent tracking of progress towards the SDGs.
• Improvement of compliance through the sharing of best practices and integration with EU-level data tools.

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

Following the publication of the EPBD guidance in June 2025, Member States are entering a critical implementation phase. This joint initiative provides timely and essential support, ensuring that national efforts are coordinated and effectively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The focus on data integration and collaborative action is fundamental to transforming the European building stock into a highly efficient and decarbonized sector, in line with global climate and sustainability commitments.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This directive is fundamentally aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings across the EU. By focusing on “building performance data” and “National Building Renovation Plans,” the article directly addresses the goal of promoting energy efficiency, which is a cornerstone of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  Improving the energy performance of the building stock is crucial for making cities and human settlements more sustainable. The “EU Building Stock Observatory” and “National Building Renovation Plans” mentioned in the article are initiatives designed to reduce the environmental footprint of urban areas. Energy-efficient buildings contribute to more sustainable housing by lowering energy consumption and costs for inhabitants.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The building sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The EPBD and the associated “National Building Renovation Plans” are key policy instruments for climate change mitigation. By enhancing the energy performance of buildings, these measures directly contribute to reducing energy consumption and, consequently, carbon emissions, aligning with the urgent need to take action to combat climate change.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article describes a “joint webinar” hosted by the “EU Building Stock Observatory (EU BSO) and the OBSERVE project” to help Member States. This collaboration is a clear example of a partnership aimed at strengthening the means of implementation. The event’s purpose is to share knowledge, provide insights, and foster a “coherent and coordinated implementation” of EU policy, which embodies the spirit of partnership for achieving sustainable development goals.

Specific SDG Targets

1. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

   The entire focus of the article on implementing the EPBD through “National Building Renovation Plans” is a direct strategy to improve energy efficiency in the building sector. The collection of “building performance data” is the mechanism to measure and drive progress toward this target.

2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.

   Renovating the building stock to improve energy performance, as promoted by the EPBD, directly reduces the energy consumption of cities. This action lowers the overall environmental impact of urban areas, contributing to this target.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article explicitly discusses turning the EPBD guidance into “practical action” at the national level through “National Building Renovation Plans” (Article 3) and supporting “national strategies.” This represents a direct integration of climate change mitigation measures (energy efficiency in buildings) into national-level policy and planning.

4. Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge…

   The joint webinar is a multi-stakeholder partnership between EU-level bodies (EU BSO, OBSERVE project) and national governments (“Member States”). Its purpose is to “bridge EU-level policy frameworks and national practices” by sharing insights and knowledge to support the implementation of the EPBD, perfectly aligning with this target.

Mentioned or Implied Indicators

1. Indicator for Energy Efficiency Progress (related to Target 7.3)

   The article implies the use of “building performance data” as a key indicator. While not specifying a metric, the establishment of “national databases” (Article 22) to collect this data is a foundational step for tracking energy efficiency improvements in the building stock over time.

2. Indicator for Policy Integration (related to Target 13.2)

   The existence and operationalization of “National Building Renovation Plans” (Article 3) serve as a direct indicator of progress. The article’s focus on helping Member States create and implement these plans shows that the development of such national strategies is a measurable outcome for tracking the integration of climate action into policy.

3. Indicator for Institutional Capacity and Data Governance (related to multiple SDGs)

   The article mentions the need for “robust data governance” and the operationalization of “data requirements” (Article 16) and “national databases” (Article 22). The successful establishment and functioning of these data systems can be seen as an indicator of a country’s capacity to monitor, report, and verify progress towards its energy and climate goals.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: energy.ec.europa.eu