BREEZE: supporting Europe’s transition to zero-emission buildings

The transition to a more sustainable building stock is one of Europe’s major challenges. Buildings are central to energy consumption, climate objectives and indoor comfort, making renovation a key priority for the coming years.

To support this transition, the EU-funded BREEZE project – Building Renovation Efforts for Zero Emission Buildings aims to help Member States advance their building renovation strategies through improved, high-quality building energy performance data.

Launched in September 2025, BREEZE will run for 36 months, until August 2028. The project contributes directly to the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Recast, which supports the move towards more efficient, healthier and zero-emission buildings across Europe.

Smarter renovation strategies based on better data

One of the main objectives of BREEZE is to strengthen the use of reliable building energy performance data. By improving national databases and harmonising building stock data, the project will support more informed decision-making at national and European levels.

BREEZE will gather and harmonise building stock data from Poland, Italy and France, while developing open software tools for cost-optimal renovation calculations and building renovation scenario planning. These tools will help public authorities and stakeholders design renovation strategies that are more accurate, efficient and aligned with EU policy objectives.

The project will also support the integration of energy performance certification, smart readiness indicators and indoor environmental quality metrics into renovation planning. This approach ensures that renovation is not only focused on reducing emissions, but also on improving comfort, health and quality of life for building users.

Supporting the implementation of the EPBD Recast

BREEZE is closely aligned with the objectives of the revised EPBD, which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of Europe’s building stock.

Through standardised methodologies, guidance and technical support, the project will help Member States improve the way they plan, monitor and implement renovation strategies. BREEZE will also provide capacity-building activities, training and knowledge-sharing opportunities to support national and regional authorities.

By combining data, policy support and practical tools, the project aims to make renovation strategies more coherent, measurable and effective across Europe.

BREEZE is coordinated by WIP Renewable Energies and brings together a multi-country consortium with strong expertise in building performance, energy policy, research, solar energy and technical innovation.

The consortium includes:

EURAC Research – Italy
SolarPower Europe – Belgium
EPB Center – Netherlands
NAPE – Poland
ENEA – Italy
CSTB – France
DTU – Technical University of Denmark – Denmark

Together, the partners will contribute to the development of data-driven renovation approaches that support Europe’s transition to zero-emission buildings.

Towards healthier and zero-emission buildings

Beyond energy efficiency, BREEZE also addresses wider aspects of building renovation, including indoor environmental quality and the potential integration of solar photovoltaic systems in renovation strategies.

By assessing the potential for solar PV deployment and improving renovation planning methods, the project will help support the wider uptake of renewable energy in buildings.

Ultimately, BREEZE aims to enable smarter, more effective renovation strategies that contribute to Europe’s climate goals while improving the quality, comfort and performance of buildings.

🔗 Follow the project on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breeze-life-project
🌐 Visit the project website: https://www.breeze-life.eu/
🦋 Follow BREEZE on Bluesky: @breeze-lifeproject.bsky.social

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