Buildings are at the core of the European Union's prosperity. They are important to achieve EU's energy savings targets and to combat climate change whilst contributing to energy security. An enormous unrealized savings potential lies dormant in buildings. The recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will activate this, also boosting sustainable investments and job creation, often in SMEs, across Europe.

To build a block of flats that use half the energy of a traditional block of flats doesn't  have to cost more. The pilot project Hamnhuset at Sannegårdshamnen in Göteborg is proof of this. In this example, it is people, home electronics and household appliances that account for the heat generated in the flats and solar panels on the roof for heating the water.