GREENROAD – Growing Energy Efficiency through National Roundtables Addresses

In the EU, one-third of final energy consumption comes from the residential sector, with space heating accounting for the largest share. However, a significant portion of this energy is wasted—rather than effectively used—mainly due to inefficient household consumption behaviours and the structural characteristics of dwellings. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets out a long-term strategy to ensure a highly energy-efficient building stock across Europe. To fund these plans, the EPBD calls on Member States to provide accessible, transparent, and straightforward financing tools that help mobilize private and public investment. Achieving this vision requires the involvement of all relevant stakeholders—both public and private—through a coordinated process of engagement. This inclusive approach is essential for building and adhering to a shared strategy aimed at reducing energy consumption across Europe.

The specific objectives of the project are the following:
1) Facilitate change to step up collaboration, innovation and action through national permanent roundtables and Focus Groups at territorial level
2) Set up the scene to an effective selection and replication of measures and good practices
3) Scale-up of energy efficiency projects through capacity building
4) More ambitious goals with less effort
5) Support to and exchange with other roundtables and similar initiatives at EU level.

Based on the discussions and results that emerged during the roundtables and territorial events, the GREENROAD partners developed five proposals aimed at facilitating and encouraging investments in the energy renovation of buildings: 1) Integration of incentive tools; 2) First Home Fund; 3) National Energy Efficiency Fund; 4) Financial instruments and structural funds; 5) Capacity building for public administration. To ensure the continuity of a permanent Roundtable capable of having a meaningful impact on discussions around financial tools supporting the energy renovation of the building stock—and to provide guidance as broadly shared as possible among stakeholders in the energy efficiency value chain—the GREENROAD partners have decided to merge the “Policies & Recommendations” Roundtable and the “Technical Working Group for Building Renovation” into a single forum: the High Level Forum for Sustainable Building Renovation (HLF).