Saving Energy in Public Buildings
The 2023 Energy Efficiency Directive sets out energy savings requirements for central government buildings.
Under the revised Energy Efficiency Directive, EU countries are now obligated to renovate 3% of all public buildings annually to improve their energy performance. This extends the previous requirement, which applied only to central government buildings, to encompass all public buildings at local, regional, and national levels with a total useful floor area of more than 250 square meters. These renovations aim to elevate buildings to nearly zero-energy or zero-emission standards.
By 11 October 2025, EU member states must compile and publicly share an inventory of buildings owned or occupied by public bodies exceeding the 250 m^2 floor area threshold. This inventory is to be refreshed at least biennially to reflect any changes or updates.
Furthermore, the directive sets an ambitious target for the public sector to achieve an annual energy consumption reduction of 1.9%. This aligns with the overarching goal of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU), as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/844, which mandates EU countries to formulate national long-term renovation strategies targeting all public buildings.
The focus on public buildings and social infrastructure is a critical component of the Renovation Wave strategy, positioning the public sector as a leader in energy efficiency. By renovating public buildings, the sector can demonstrate the tangible benefits of such initiatives to the public and pave the way for the broader industrialization of construction practices aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across the EU.
Central government buildings under Directive 2012/27/EU
The 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU), amended in 2018, set out energy savings requirements for central government buildings in all EU countries. On a yearly basis, they are required to renovate at least 3% of the total floor area of buildings owned and occupied by central government.
These rules remain valid in each EU country until Directive EU/2023/1791 has been transposed into national law.
To fulfil the requirements of the 2012 directive, some EU countries (listed below) have prepared public inventories of all central government buildings with a total useful floor area of over 500 m2.
The 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU), amended in 2018, set out energy savings requirements for central government buildings in all EU countries. On a yearly basis, they are required to renovate at least 3% of the total floor area of buildings owned and occupied by central government.
These rules remain valid in each EU country until Directive EU/2023/1791 has been transposed into national law.
To fulfil the requirements of the 2012 directive, some EU countries (listed below) have prepared public inventories of all central government buildings with a total useful floor area of over 500 m2.
​Central government building inventories
Cyprus - official Government website - document in Greek language
Estonia - official Government website
Greece - document in Greek language
Latvia - official Government website
Lithuania - official Government website
Luxembourg - document in French language - annex
Spain - document in English and document in Spanish languages
As an alternative to renovation, EU countries may opt for an approach which results in at least an equivalent amount of energy savings. This may include measures such as
These alternative measures are part of the national energy efficiency action plans (NEEAPs).
- behavioural changes, such as turning off the lights or shutting down equipment when leaving the office
- so-called deep renovations that go beyond minimum energy performance requirements. In this case, the total floor area renovated in central government buildings annually may be less than 3%
These alternative measures are part of the national energy efficiency action plans (NEEAPs).
