ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS DIRECTIVE
New Relevance for Retail Real Estate
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is one of the key European directives for the building sector. With its recast, the focus shifts more strongly from new construction to the existing building stock in particular. To this end, it establishes a common framework that is transposed into national law and implemented by the member states.
A key element of the revised directive is the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). These standards specifically target non-residential buildings with the worst energy performance and require member states to set national thresholds for their gradual energy efficiency improvements. At the same time, energy performance certificates are being further developed and more closely harmonized across Europe. This is intended to make the energy performance of buildings and the resulting need for modernization more transparent and easier to compare. The requirements for charging and grid infrastructure for electric mobility are also being significantly expanded.
For retail real estate, this development is of great strategic importance. In the future, a property’s energy performance may have an even greater impact on investment needs, operating costs, rentability, and long-term marketability. The EPBD is thus not only a regulatory factor but also an important foundation for the valuation and forward-looking management of real estate portfolios.
The specific impact of the EPBD depends largely on its transposition into national law. By continuously monitoring regulatory developments at the European level, we can assess their implications for retail real estate at an early stage and provide expert guidance on national legislative processes.
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Real Estate Analyzed with map2zero
71
Climate risk analyses conducted
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Taxonomy Checks
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Energy performance certificates issued or optimized
DEEP DIVE
From Regulation to Solution
What Europe Requires
Member states set national thresholds for non-residential buildings. By 2030, all buildings must fall below the threshold of the 16% of the building stock with the worst energy performance in 2020; by 2033, they must fall below the threshold of the 26% with the worst performance. Exceptions are possible.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
Depending on national implementation, affected buildings may require increased investment and modernization. This can impact financing, leaseability, and value retention.
Our Solution
map2zero and Energy Performance Certificate Check: We identify potentially affected buildings and develop a property-specific decarbonization pathway.
What Europe Sets as the Standard
Energy efficiency classes are being reclassified on a common scale from A to G. Class A corresponds to zero-emission buildings; Class G encompasses the least energy-efficient buildings in the national building stock.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
Informative energy performance certificates facilitate an initial assessment of energy efficiency and potential relevance to the MEPS.
Our Solution
Certificate and Data Review: We verify the currency and validity of existing certificates, assist with their
and identify specific areas for improvement.
What Europe Requires
Starting at the end of 2027, suitable solar systems are to be installed on existing non-residential buildings with more than 500 m² when major renovations or roof or building-related work requiring a permit is carried out. This requirement is contingent on technical suitability as well as economic and functional feasibility.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
Roof and renovation projects may necessitate action. Key considerations include structural integrity, roof condition, grid connection, self-consumption, and economic viability
Our Solution
Property-Specific Solar Strategy: We combine technical feasibility, self-consumption, and economic viability with planned roof renovations and remodeling projects
What Europe Requires
For non-residential buildings, building automation and control systems are being phased in gradually: for relevant heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems with a capacity of more than 290 kW, this has been in effect since the end of 2024; for systems with a capacity of more than 70 kW, the requirement will take effect by the end of 2029. The systems are designed to monitor and analyze energy consumption and efficiently control building services.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
In addition to investments, this creates opportunities for reduced energy consumption, optimized operational processes, and a stronger ESG data foundation.
Our Solution
Customized system solution: Already successfully implemented in more than 60 shopping centers. Drawing on our experience, we develop customized automation solutions that meet regulatory requirements while unlocking energy and economic potential.
What Europe Requires
Member States must establish requirements for adequate indoor air quality.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
Operating large ventilation systems in a demand-responsive manner can ensure comfort and air quality while simultaneously reducing energy consumption, for example through variable airflow rates.
Our Solution
Integration into the maintenance strategy: Modifications to ventilation systems—such as the installation of sensors—should ideally be carried out as part of planned investment and maintenance measures. Our engineers provide support in developing a solution that is legally compliant, cost-effective, and technically efficient.
What Europe Requires
For existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, as of 2027, either one charging point per ten parking spaces or a wiring infrastructure for at least 50% of the parking spaces must generally be provided. National implementation may stipulate exceptions and additional requirements.
Implications for Retail Real Estate
Key factors include investment costs, grid capacity, load management, and user demand. At the same time, a location’s appeal may increase.
Our Solution
Site-specific analysis: We assess the existing infrastructure and available grid capacity and use this information to develop a technically suitable and economically viable solution.