The European Commission's 2014 Communication on Resource Efficiency Opportunities in the Building Sector identified the need for a common EU framework of indicators for the assessment of the environmental performance of buildings. A study to develop this approach is being taken forward during 2015-2017 by DG ENV and DG GROW, with the technical support of DG JRC-IPTS.

 

JRC has published a working paper including the findings of the first stage in this study, which focusses on the identification of 'macro-objectives' for the environmental performance of the EU building stock. 

Link to the document

This stage is intended to provide an initial 'top down' view of what the strategic priorities (the 'macro-objectives') should be for the building sector. These macro-objectives will in turn inform and set the scope for the identification of a common framework of indicators in the next stage of this study. 

 

The following macro-objectives were identified:

 

'LIFE CYCLE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE' MACRO-OBJECTIVES FOR BUILDINGS

  1. Greenhouse gas emissions from building life cycle energy use: Minimise the total GHG emissions along a buildings lifecycle, with a focus on building operational energy use emissions and embodied emissions.
  2. Resource efficient material life cycles: Optimise building design, engineering and form in order to support lean and circular flows, extend long-term material utility and reduce significant environmental impacts.
  3. Efficient use of water resources: Make efficient use of water resources, particularly in areas of identified long-term or projected water stress.

'QUALITY, PERFORMANCE AND VALUE' MACRO-OBJECTIVES FOR BUILDINGS

  1. 4. Healthy and comfortable spaces: Design, construction and renovation of buildings that protect human health by minimising the potential for occupier and worker exposure to health risks.
  2. Resilience to climate change: The futureproofing of building thermal performance to projected changes in the urban microclimate, in order to protect occupier health and comfort.
  3. Optimised life cycle cost and value: Optimisation of the life cycle cost and value of buildings, inclusive of acquisition, operation, maintenance and disposal.