Top Countries in Europe for Retrofitting Buildings
- Jackie De Burca
- February 2, 2025
Top Countries in Europe for Retrofitting Buildings
Buildings worldwide use over 25% of global energy, leading to huge greenhouse gas emissions. To hit Net Zero by 2050, we need to upgrade hundreds of millions of buildings. This is a big task for Europe’s top countries in retrofitting buildings1.

The construction sector is a big user of energy, making up 30% of global use and 27% of emissions. This makes energy efficiency in Europe very important for sustainable building. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says we must retrofit at least 20% of existing buildings by 2030. This is a key goal for retrofitting leaders in Europe1.
The Global Retrofit Index scores countries on 11 criteria. No G20 country scores well on all, showing we need to do better in Europe. Even the best European countries have a lot to do to meet the IEA’s targets. Deep energy retrofits can cut energy use and emissions, making buildings more efficient2.
Honorary Mention of Ireland
As a small country, Ireland has demonstrated significant progress in this area. Above you can hear a snippet from a full interview with Dr. Ciaran Byrne. On this page about retrofitting in Ireland, you can earn more and hear the full podcast.
The Irish government has set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or higher by 2030, with an interim goal of 120,000 such retrofits by 2025.
Recent data indicates a strong upward trend in retrofit activities. In the first quarter of 2024, nearly 12,000 home energy upgrades were completed, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, over 5,050 homes achieved a BER of B2 or higher during this time, representing a 53% year-on-year increase.
These developments suggest that Ireland is making commendable strides in enhancing the energy efficiency of its building stock, aligning with its climate action objectives.
Understanding Building Retrofitting in the European Context
The European Union aims to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This goal has led to a rise in green building initiatives and retrofitting incentives4. Building retrofitting is key to this goal, as it cuts down energy use and emissions. The construction sector in the EU is responsible for about 36% of carbon dioxide emissions4.
Most EU buildings were built before the 1970s, with 66% of them4. This makes retrofitting crucial to make these buildings energy-efficient. The European Green Deal aims to reduce energy use and emissions, with retrofitting playing a big part in this.
The EU plans to spend EUR 1 billion over ten years on building retrofitting4. This money will help develop green building initiatives and retrofitting incentives. It will encourage sustainable building practices in the construction sector. As the EU pushes for european building regulations and sustainable building, retrofitting’s role will grow.
Understanding European building stock and the European Green Deal’s impact on retrofitting is vital. It shows the importance of green building initiatives and retrofitting incentives in reaching a climate-neutral continent by 20505.
Germany: The Pioneer in Building Energy Efficiency
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) drive Germany’s energy policy. They aim to use more renewable energy, like wind and solar7. This goal is part of a bigger plan to cut energy use and emissions by 30% by 20207.
Energy-efficient renovations bring many benefits. They cut down energy use and emissions, and also create jobs. In Germany, over 500,000 jobs have been made in renewable energy since 20067. Here are some key advantages:
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Reduced energy consumption | Lower energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions |
Job creation | New employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector |
Stimulated local economies | Increased investment in local communities and economies |
In summary, Germany’s way of improving building energy efficiency is a good example for others. By supporting energy-efficient updates and green projects, Germany has lowered emissions and boosted jobs and the economy6.

Scandinavian Excellence in Sustainable Building Retrofits
Denmark's Innovative Approaches
Denmark leads in sustainable construction in Europe. It focuses on eco-friendly upgrades and new methods. The country uses district heating and biofuels to cut energy and emissions8.
Sweden's Sustainable Solutions
Sweden is a top country for sustainable building retrofits. It aims to reduce energy and emissions. Sweden uses district heating and biofuels to lessen its environmental impact8. BREEAM is used in 80% of EU-certified sustainable buildings, mainly in the UK9.
Norway's Arctic-Adapted Retrofitting
The Netherlands' Circular Economy Approach to Retrofitting
The Netherlands leads in circular economy retrofitting, aiming to cut waste and boost sustainability10. Homes after retrofitting use 70-80% less energy10. The country uses tax breaks and low-interest loans to encourage sustainable upgrades.
The Netherlands’ circular economy retrofitting brings many benefits:
- Less energy use and emissions
- More sustainable materials and less waste
- New jobs and economic growth
- Better living conditions for residents

The Netherlands’ retrofitting model is a beacon for others. Its waste reduction and sustainability efforts have greatly reduced energy and emissions10. As the EU pushes for green buildings, the Netherlands’ approach will be key12.
France's Ambitious Retrofitting Programme
France has started a big retrofitting program. It aims to cut down energy poverty and boost urban renewal. This fits with the country’s green building and energy-saving plans. The program offers grants and low-interest loans to help building owners improve their properties13.
Some important parts of France’s retrofitting program are:

Top Countries in Europe for Retrofitting Buildings: Success Metrics
Top countries in Europe have used smart strategies to improve their buildings. They’ve set up policies, offered incentives, and tried new ways to build sustainably. This has led to big cuts in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings in the EU use 40% of energy and emit 36% of GHG emissions14.
Renovating EU buildings could cut energy use and emissions by 5%14.
These countries have focused on using energy-saving tech, like solar roof systems. These systems can cut electricity costs by 75%15. They’ve also seen a 38% jump in green jobs through energy communities15.
Here’s a table showing some of their achievements:
Country | Energy Consumption Reduction | GHG Emissions Reduction |
---|---|---|
Germany | 10% | 15% |
Denmark | 12% | 20% |
Sweden | 8% | 12% |
These countries show it’s possible to cut energy use and emissions a lot. They’ve also boosted sustainable building and green jobs14.

Financial Incentives and Support Mechanisms
Financial help and support are key to getting building owners to retrofit their properties. This action cuts down energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union offers grants and subsidies to aid in building renovations16. These aids help owners deal with the high costs of retrofitting.
European building rules also play a part, aiming to lower energy use and emissions17. The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets energy standards for buildings. It also offers incentives for owners to meet these standards. The EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility funds building renovation projects, supporting retrofitting efforts18.
Some main financial aids for retrofitting include:
- Government grants and subsidies
- Private sector investment
- EU funding programs
These incentives help in renovating buildings, leading to less energy use and emissions16. The EU’s goal is to encourage owners to retrofit. This supports a greener, more energy-efficient built environment.

Technological Innovations Driving Retrofitting Success
Energy-efficient renovations are key in the European building sector. Green retrofitting trends are leading the way in sustainability. The building sector is responsible for 35% of energy-related emissions in the EU and 32% of natural gas consumption19. This shows the urgent need for new solutions to cut energy use and emissions.
Smart building technologies and renewable energy systems are crucial for retrofitting success. For instance, energy-monitoring sensors in homes can lower energy use and costs20. Rooftop solar and heat pump installations also cut greenhouse gas emissions19.
Cities like Galway and Krakow are leading in green retrofitting. They use the NetZeroCities programme20. This aims to retrofit buildings with local materials and energy-saving tech. As demand for energy-efficient renovations grows, we’ll see more innovative solutions.

Energy-efficient renovations and green retrofitting offer many benefits. They reduce energy use, lower emissions, and save costs for owners and users. As the EU focuses on sustainable development and cutting carbon emissions, tech innovations will play a bigger role in retrofitting success19.
Regulatory Frameworks and Building Standards
European building regulations are key to ensuring retrofitting is done right. The European Green Deal aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. This means big investments in green production21. Energy performance certificates and building codes help make retrofitting more sustainable.
The following table summarizes some of the key european building regulations and targets:
Country | Regulation | Target |
---|---|---|
EU | EPBD | -60% reduction in emissions by 2030 |
Denmark | BR23 | 70% reduction in construction emissions by 2030 |
France | RE2020 | 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 |

Social Housing Retrofitting Initiatives
In Europe, many countries are working on social housing retrofitting. They aim to cut down energy poverty and encourage green living23. These efforts include retrofitting programs, energy-saving upgrades, and new ways to pay for these changes, like the Opengela project. This project offers 15-year loans to low-income families23.
The Affordable Housing Initiative has a budget of about 1 million euros, funded by the EU. It has helped 22 areas over two years. The focus is on making homes more energy-efficient and welcoming to everyone23.
Social housing makes up about 8% of all homes in the EU. Countries like Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands have more, up to 20%24. To reach a carbon-neutral building stock by 2050, we need to renovate many homes24. Deep renovations can make buildings better for living, health, and the environment25.
Some housing providers, like Himmerland Boligforening in Aalborg East, aim to improve life and education for residents23. Around 25 million homes are managed by Housing Europe, which is about 11% of Europe’s homes23. The EU wants to be carbon-neutral by 2050, and retrofitting social housing is key to this goal24. By using green building methods and incentives, we can cut down on energy use and emissions, helping our planet25.
Commercial Building Transformation Projects
Across Europe, commercial building transformation projects are on the rise. They focus on making buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable. This move is in line with the EU’s efforts to cut emissions and fight climate change26.
Buildings worldwide are a big source of CO2 emissions, with 39% of all emissions coming from them27. To tackle this, companies are upgrading to energy-efficient systems and exploring new funding options. For example, the BUILD UPON project has a budget of €2.35 million and involves Green Building Councils from 13 countries26.
Key advantages of these projects include:
- Less energy use and lower emissions
- Better air quality and health for occupants
- Higher property value and competitiveness
- Helping create a greener built environment
The EU wants to see deep renovations in 3% of buildings every year by 203027. Companies must embrace green retrofitting and invest in energy-efficient upgrades. This way, they can lessen their environmental impact, enhance their image, and help build a greener future.
Historic Building Preservation Through Modern Retrofitting
In Europe, preserving historic buildings is a big deal. Many projects aim to keep these buildings standing while cutting down energy use. This effort not only saves our cultural heritage but also helps the environment.
Many old buildings in Europe need to be made more energy-efficient. Around 20-30% of homes in the UK have some historical value28. Making these buildings more energy-smart is a big challenge, but it’s doable.
Managing the challenges of retrofitting is key. It helps keep the buildings’ history intact while adding new homes29. Old buildings face a hurdle because they weren’t built with today’s energy-saving in mind29. Standards like EN 16883:2017 and projects like IEA-SHC Task 59 help find ways to make these buildings energy-efficient30.
Impact Assessment and Carbon Reduction Achievements
Retrofitting projects have made a big difference, with many countries cutting down on energy use and emissions31. In Europe, making buildings more energy-efficient is key to reducing their environmental impact. About 40% of the EU’s energy goes into buildings, and over a third of its emissions come from them31.
The benefits of retrofitting are clear:
- Less energy used
- Lower emissions
- Better air inside
- Higher property value
The EU aims for zero-emission buildings by 2050. This shows how vital energy efficiency and retrofitting are in Europe31. With the right plans and technology, we can build a greener future for all.
Future Trends and Emerging Markets
The future of building retrofitting is linked to green building initiatives and retrofitting incentives. These are set to boost the industry’s growth. The world is moving towards sustainable practices, increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings.
Statistical data33 shows that buildings account for 40% of global energy and CO2 emissions. This highlights the need for retrofitting incentives to cut emissions.
Global greening efforts need $3.5 trillion investment, with $1.5 trillion for emerging markets33.
The future of building retrofitting is bright, with a growing need for green initiatives and incentives. As the industry grows, we’ll see more innovative solutions and technologies. These will drive growth and cut emissions.
Challenges and Solutions in European Retrofitting
The European building stock uses 40% of the EU’s energy35. Making buildings more energy-efficient is key to cutting down energy use and emissions. Green retrofitting is becoming more popular, aiming to mix energy saving with using renewable energy in building updates35.
Adopting green retrofitting and energy-saving renovations brings many advantages. It helps lower energy use, emissions, and energy poverty. It’s vital to keep supporting these efforts for a greener and more energy-efficient built environment.
Key Takeaways
- Energy use in buildings accounts for more than 25% of global GHG emissions1.
- Hundreds of millions of buildings need upgrading to achieve Net Zero by 20501.
- The IEA recommends that at least 20% of existing buildings should have an energy retrofit by 20301.
- Deep energy retrofits can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions2.
- Approximately 17.6 billion m² of residential floor space exists in the EU-27, with 15 billion m² being heated3.
- Countries with the highest energy usage for residential purposes include France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, and the UK3.
Conclusion: The Future of Building Retrofitting in Europe
Government help, private money, and individual actions will be key37. Homeowners and property managers have a big role to play. They need to be aware of the environment and empowered to make changes. This will help make sustainable construction common in Europe.
FAQ
What constitutes building retrofitting in the European context?
How has the European Green Deal impacted building retrofitting?
What are some of the top countries in Europe for retrofitting buildings?
What types of financial incentives and support mechanisms are available for building retrofitting in Europe?
How are technological innovations driving the success of building retrofitting in Europe?
What regulatory frameworks and building standards are in place to promote sustainable retrofitting in Europe?
What social housing retrofitting initiatives have been implemented in Europe?
How have commercial building transformation projects contributed to building retrofitting in Europe?
What are some of the impact assessment and carbon reduction achievements of building retrofitting in Europe?
What are some of the key challenges and solutions in European building retrofitting?
Source Links
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