Reliable building data is essential for understanding the performance of the building stock and supporting informed decisions on energy efficiency and the transition towards more sustainable buildings.
Within the OBSERVE project, Euphyia Tech has recently contributed to the analysis of the Cypriot building data ecosystem, focusing on existing data sources, current limitations and opportunities for improved integration.
Mapping existing building data in Cyprus
The analysis examined the national systems and datasets currently supporting the monitoring of building energy performance in Cyprus, with particular attention to the role of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI).
Among the key data sources identified are:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) registry and its associated calculation engine
- Inspection databases for heating and cooling systems
- Energy audit registers
- National building stock statistics
Together, these sources provide an important foundation for monitoring building energy performance and supporting national and European policy requirements.
However, the analysis also highlighted an important challenge: relevant building information remains fragmented across different databases. Limited interoperability and integration between building energy datasets and other national information sources can make it more difficult to bring this information together and use it effectively.
Identifying opportunities for better integration
Within OBSERVE, the analysis is helping identify practical pathways towards a more integrated national building data ecosystem.
Several areas are receiving particular attention, including:
Data standardisation
Improving consistency in the way building information is structured and managed.
Digitalisation
Supporting more effective collection, management and use of building-related information.
Interoperability
Enabling different datasets and systems to work together more effectively.
The work also considers the integration of emerging monitoring areas, including Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI), Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and zero-emission building indicators, alongside other relevant national datasets.
Towards a National Building Stock Observatory
A key objective of this work is to explore how Cyprus can develop a more integrated National Building Stock Observatory.
The findings from the analysis will be further discussed with MECI and OBSERVE project partners. These discussions will support the development of a practical guidance framework for the Ministry, helping identify and address remaining gaps in the current Building Stock Observatory landscape.
The framework will contribute to identifying pathways towards a more unified building data pipeline and more interoperable datasets, aligned with broader European Building Stock Observatory requirements.
Why connected building data matters
A more integrated building data ecosystem can provide a stronger foundation for monitoring the national building stock and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
By connecting information that currently exists across different systems, stakeholders can work towards a more:
- Robust approach to building stock monitoring
- Accessible building data ecosystem
- Interoperable set of national datasets
- Evidence-based approach to building and energy policy
For OBSERVE, this work represents an important step towards better understanding how existing building data can be connected and used to support the transformation of the building stock.
Looking ahead
The next phase will focus on further engagement with MECI and project partners to build on the findings and define practical recommendations for addressing the identified gaps.
Through this process, OBSERVE aims to support the development of a more connected and reliable building data ecosystem in Cyprus – helping create the foundations for better building stock monitoring and more informed decisions.
