The future of EPCs: data, policy, and public perception in the race for energy efficiency

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dc.contributor.authorMugarra Elorriaga, Aitziber
dc.contributor.authorBorges Hernández, Cruz E.
dc.contributor.authorFerrón, Leandro Martín
dc.contributor.authorSoimu, Oxana
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-06T07:18:37Z
dc.date.available2025-05-06T07:18:37Z
dc.date.issued2025-03
dc.date.updated2025-05-06T07:18:37Z
dc.description.abstractAmidst the pressing concern about climate change, the construction sector has been identified as one of the main energy consumers in Europe, which also positions it as one of the sectors with the greatest potential for efficiency improvements. In response to this, the European Union established the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system, with the aim of boosting transparency and encouraging sustainable renovations. However, the results have not been as expected. Some of the causes of this are poor data quality, limited public awareness and inadequate legislation, which together undermine trust in the certification process. In addition, concerns about the possible exclusion of low-income households have sparked debates about the financial burdens and possible rent increases following energy efficiency improvements. This article presents insights from a qualitative study of various stakeholders, including public agencies, technical experts and real estate professionals, examining prevailing perceptions of EPC design, implementation and utility. Key findings reveal that mandatory policies drive adoption, but administrative complexities and inconsistent metrics erode public trust. Furthermore, the gap between specialist and non-specialist audiences prevents the certificate from playing a role in motivating behaviour change. The new version of the European Commission's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces standardised templates and databases. Added to this, stakeholder feedback highlights the need for public education, accurate energy data and tailored financial mechanisms. This study concludes that to refine EPC policies, integrated and holistic frameworks are needed that address socio-economic risks, foster equity and accelerate Europe's transition to low-carbon housingen
dc.description.sponsorshipThis work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Project N°101069639 —SmartLivingEPCen
dc.identifier.citationMugarra, A., Borges, C., Ferrón, L., & Soimu, O. (2025). The future of EPCs: data, policy, and public perception in the race for energy efficiency. Urban Governance, 5(1), 32-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.UGJ.2025.02.006
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/J.UGJ.2025.02.006
dc.identifier.issn2664-3286
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14454/2661
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherElsevier B.V.
dc.rights©2025 The Author(s)
dc.subject.otherEnergy Performance Certificate (EPC)
dc.subject.otherEnergy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
dc.subject.otherSocial risks
dc.subject.otherStakeholders perception
dc.titleThe future of EPCs: data, policy, and public perception in the race for energy efficiencyen
dc.typejournal article
dcterms.accessRightsopen access
oaire.citation.endPage44
oaire.citation.issue1
oaire.citation.startPage32
oaire.citation.titleUrban Governance
oaire.citation.volume5
oaire.licenseConditionhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
oaire.versionVoR
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