The European construction industry is confronted by an economy that is undergoing a highly significant change, shaped by megatrends such as greater urbanisation, disruptive new technologies and digitalisation, globalised value chains and sustainability. Therefore, a key question for this industry is how to ensure that, married to these other megatrends, can be treated as an opportunity for economic success and global leadership as much as an environmental challenge.

The report showcases several European projects in housing renovation that have demonstrated that innovation in all aspects of the process – products, services, business models and policy – offers great opportunities to reduce the cost and increase the pace of deep energy renovation, while boosting economic growth, creating jobs and reducing emissions. The report suggests policy recommendations at EU, national and local levels which could kick start to unlock the potential of the construction renovation sector.d

This report was co-authored by Maarten de Groote (BPIE), Marianne Lefever (BPIE) and Julia Reinaud (i24c) – Head of Research, Building Performance Institute Europe, and made possible by an i24c research grant.