Roundtable on Educational Buildings Campaign
The Renovate Europe Campaign launched its Educational Buildings Campaign in October 2025, calling on all EU Member States to make educational buildings frontrunners in the transition towards a zero-emission building stock by 2050 and to commit to their deep renovation by 2035. This can be achieved through the inclusion of dedicated measures for educational buildings in National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), which are currently under preparation.
As part of this initiative, a private roundtable discussion was held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 23 June, hosted by MEP Marcos Ros Sempere.
The event brought together educators, students, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of Europe’s educational buildings. Participants explored the role of educational infrastructure in achieving Europe’s climate and energy objectives, while highlighting the benefits of deep renovation for learning environments, health, comfort, and energy performance.
During the discussion, the findings of the Renovate Europe Campaign’s NBRP Study, conducted in collaboration with CLIMACT and other partner organisations, were presented alongside inspiring case studies from across the European Union. The conversation was further enriched by contributions from representatives of student and teacher associations, who shared firsthand experiences and perspectives on the priorities for future educational buildings.
Agenda
Introduction
Moderation of the Roundtable and presentation of the Renovate Europe Educational Buildings Campaign by Adrian Joyce, Director of the REC.
Policy Context
- European Commission perspective by Robert Nuij (Head of Unit) from DG Energy on how member states can emphasise Educational Buildings in their National Building Renovation Plans (NBRP’s). This will include and overview of which member states have already included educational buildings in their draft NBRP.
- Presentation by Quentin Jossen of key findings relevant to our call from the Climact Study on NBRP’s supported by the REC and other stakeholders.
Presentations from Stakeholders
- Experiences from a student representative organisation – Andra Kruna Ramsay, SUPEUS (HR)
- Perspective of parent’s association – Bostjan Bobic, European Parents Association (EPA)
- Sustainability assessment tool for schools – Simon Polomé, Fontana Design
- Action at national level – Croatian Communication Campaign – Andelka Toto Ormuz, HUPFAS, REC National Partner, Croatia.
Exchanges between audience and speakers
An open exchange with all participants will start with an intervention by Marcos Ros Sempere. Other MEP’s present will be prioritised during the exchange which will last about 30 minutes.
Conclusions
Marcos Ros Sempere (MEP) to share his impressions of the exchanges and to provide brief closing remarks
Interview with MEP Marcos Ros Sempere
New study on National Building Renovation Plans published
Renovate Europe, together with other 9 partners, has published a new study, “The Delivery Challenge of NBRPs”, examining the current state of National Building Renovation Plans across Europe. The study was developed by CLIMACT and currently covers: Belgium-Wallonia, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria.
Buildings remain one of the key areas for achieving the energy transition, and the quality and ambition of national renovation strategies will play a decisive role in meeting EU energy and climate targets.
You can access the complete analysis, including methodology and detailed findings, here:
A budget to scale up energy renovations in the EU
As discussions on the European Union’s Next Multiannual Financial Framework move forward, Renovate Europe is publishing its position paper on the MFF.
Shaping the EU budget for 2028–2034 is a critical opportunity to deliver on competitiveness, affordability, resilience and energy security, and buildings must be at the heart of this effort.
Why? Because energy renovation is one of the smartest investments Europe can make:
➢ Buildings account for ~40% of EU energy use and 36% of emissions
➢ Every €1 invested in energy efficiency can generate up to €12 in energy savings
➢ Renovation reduces energy bills, strengthens energy independence, and improves people’s quality of life
Yet the investment gap remains significant, and the next MFF must help bridge it.
In this context, Renovate Europe calls for:
➢ A dedicated building renovation priority in National and Regional Partnership Plans
➢ An EU Renovation Loan Facility under the European Competitiveness Fund/InvestEU architecture
➢ A performance and tracking methodology that captures real energy savings, social impact and delivery quality.
Beyond funding, the next EU budget must also support implementation on the ground, from technical assistance to local delivery capacity, to turn ambition into real projects.
"Mobilising Private Financing for Affordable Building Renovation" - Event
“Mobilising Private Financing for Affordable Building Renovation”
Rue d’Arlon 63-67, 1040 Brussels, Belgium and online
May 4th 2026, 15:30 – 18:30 (CET)
The EU needs to renovate its buildings at scale but public funding alone will not be enough. Mobilising private capital will be essential to deliver the energy renovation of buildings and to expand affordable housing.
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank are advancing initiatives to address the housing crisis and improve housing affordability. This includes plans for a Pan-European Investment Platform for Affordable and Sustainable Housing and closer cooperation between EU institutions, financial actors and housing providers.
This event will explore how EU financial reforms can help create a stronger pipeline of renovation and housing investments that can attract private capital. It will also look at what is needed on the ground as financing tools alone are not enough. Scaling up renovation requires reliable data, clear standards and well-structured project pipelines.
The discussion will also feature insights from a new report by Climate Strategy & Partners. The report outlines ways to improve transparency, standardisation and alignment with the EU’s decarbonisation pathway across the real estate sector. It explores how a system-wide carbon data pipeline could link loan origination to investors and ensure consistent, verifiable information across the financial chain. The EU is currently reviewing its securitisation framework as part of efforts to strengthen its capital markets and attract long-term investment. If designed well, securitisation could help connect pools of renovation loans and housing finance with institutional investors. This could increase the availability of capital for banks and help expand financing for renovation and housing projects.
This event is co-organised by the Renovate Europe Campaign, Climate Strategy (CS) and the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC).
EVENT DRAFT AGENDA:
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Registration and coffee |
| 15:30 – 15:35 | Welcome and introduction |
| Adrian Joyce, Director, Renovate Europe Campaign and Peter Sweatman, CEO of Climate Strategy | |
| 15:35 – 16:10 | Panel 1 – Scaling investment in energy renovation and affordable housing |
| Annachiara Torciano, Head of ESG, Slättö
Jaime Luque, director of the ESCP Institute of Real Estate Finance and Management and member of the European Commission’s Housing Advisory Board Hans Biemans, Managing Director of Sustainable Markets, ING Hans Vermeulen, Chief Executive Officer, Onesto Moderated by: Afroditi Psatha, Head of Operations and Projects, Renovate Europe Campaign 3-minute panel conclusions by Rémi Collombet, Secretary General, Efficient Buildings Europe |
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| 16:10 – 16:15 | Q&A |
| 16:15 – 16:35 | Keynote – EU securitisation reform: opportunities for sustainable housing and renovation finance |
| Joshua Brady, Securitisation Expert and Report’s Author | |
| 16:35 – 17:10 | Panel 2 – Better data to drive affordable and efficient mortgage securitisation |
| Marco Angheben, Head of Business Development and Regulatory Affairs, European DataWarehouse and ENGAGE Project Coordinator
Dr. Daniel Mahayni, Director Portfoliocontrolling Retail Mortgages/Home Loans/Real Estate Brokerage, Deutsche Bank Françoise Refabert, President, Filao Labs Moderated by: Piet Hein Schram, Co-founder and Spokesperson, Energy Efficient Mortgages NL |
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| 17:10 – 17:15 | Q&A |
| 17:15 – 17:30 | Final words and summary |
| Adrian Joyce, Director at the Renovate Europe Campaign and Peter Sweatman, CEO of Climate Strategy | |
| 17:30 – 18:30 | Networking and drinks |
| An opportunity to connect with speakers and attendees |
“Empowering Citizens to Renovate: Examples of One-Stop Shops” Webinar
“Empowering Citizens to Renovate: Examples of One-Stop Shops” Webinar
Microsoft Teams
April 22nd, 10:00 – 11:30 (CET)
Co-organised by Renovate Europe and its partner FEDARENE, this episode showcased concrete examples of one-stop shops from across the EU and examined the lessons they offer for accelerating renovation across different national and local contexts.
In the current context of geopolitical tensions, rising energy prices, and increasing climate challenges, accelerating the renovation of residential buildings has become more important than ever. Renovation is a key tool not only to reduce energy consumption and emissions, but also to improve living conditions for citizens and strengthen Europe’s energy security.
Despite the growing policy focus and the availability of financial and regulatory instruments to support renovation, many citizens still face significant barriers when trying to improve their homes. Navigating technical solutions, financing options, and administrative procedures can be complex if citizens are not guided and supported.
In this context, one-stop shops are an essential service to bridge the gap between citizens and the financial, technical, and policy instruments that already exist. By providing integrated guidance and support, they can make renovation simpler, more accessible, and more effective.
Through practical case studies from France, Slovenia, Italy, Bulgaria and regional initiatives, speakers shared insights on financing solutions, service models, and implementation strategies. The webinar also provided guidance on setting up and managing one-stop shops, followed by interactive Q&A sessions, offering valuable lessons for accelerating renovation efforts in diverse national and local contexts.
Agenda
Introduction
Adrian Joyce, Campaign Director, Renovate Europe Campaign
Guidelines on setting up and managing one-stop shops
Adrien Bullier, Senior Project Advisor on Energy Efficiency Finance, CINEA
Q&A
From Concept to Practice: One-Stop Shop Renovation Models across Europe
- Regional one-stop shops in action
Mariangela Luceri, Project Manager, FEDARENE - Home renovation services and third-party financing in France
Sébastien Descours, co-fondateur of FIDEO – Banque de la Rénovation, project ORFEE - Renov-AID one-stop shop experience in Slovenia
Ana Tisov, field expert in building environment, IRI UL (University of Ljubljana), Slovenia - The Renoss model in Italy
Marco Costa, Agency for Energy and Sustainable Development (AESS), Italy - SHEERenov+ one-stop shop project in Bulgaria
Tzveta Naniova, Executive Director of BACC JSC, Renovate Bulgaria
Q&A and Conclusions
Letter to Ministers responsible for the National Building Renovation Plans
Time is Running for the Implementation of the Revised EPBD
The deadline for implementing the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is approaching. By 29 May 2026, EU Member States must transpose the directive into national law.
A central element of this process is the preparation and submission of National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), which will set out how each country intends to improve the energy performance of its building stock.
So far, eight Member States and the Walloon Region have submitted their plans. Most countries have yet to do so.
With the support of its National Partners, Renovate Europe is reaching out directly to the ministers responsible for NBRPs in Member States that have not yet submitted their plans. The message is clear: a strong and timely National Building Renovation Plan is not only a legal obligation, but also a significant economic opportunity.
Well-designed renovation strategies can:
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Support economic growth
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Create local employment
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Strengthen social stability
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Increase the availability of quality housing
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Improve investor confidence
Building renovation remains one of the most effective ways to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits simultaneously.
As the deadline approaches, coordinated action from both European and national decision-makers will be essential to translate EU legislation into ambitious, practical and country-specific national plans.
Read our letter on National Building Renovation Plans to learn more.