Work

Building renovation passports for affordable and digital deep renovation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The 2024 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) identifies Building Renovation Passports (BRPs) as a key digital tool to accelerate deep renovation across the European Union. BRPs are designed to provide phased, data-driven guidance to building owners, enabling informed decisions about renovation sequences and measures. Despite this potential, their practical effectiveness remains constrained by financing barriers and the limited availability of user-oriented support systems, which are challenges that disproportionately affect households at risk of energy poverty. This study evaluates how digital BRPs can support customised and affordable renovation pathways for low-income households in Portugal by integrating building energy simulations based on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), the iBRoad2EPC digital framework, and socio-economic indicators. Four representative dwellings in the Porto metropolitan area, Portugal, were analysed. Results show that structured, digitally informed renovation planning can reduce heating energy demand by up to 60% and substantially improve indoor thermal comfort. However, the analysis also demonstrates that digital guidance alone is insufficient: without targeted financial support, many vulnerable households remain unable to implement deep renovation measures. The findings underscore the importance of embedding affordability metrics and social equity considerations within future BRP frameworks to ensure that digitalisation contributes to a just energy transition. Although the findings are exploratory and grounded in the Portuguese EPC framework, the methodological structure is adaptable to other EU contexts with comparable regulatory systems and social-vulnerability profiles.

Source: Energy and Buildings

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2026.117259

Authors: Gabriela Barbosa, Manuela Almeida

Institution: University of Minho

Language: English

Topic: Building energy efficiency and sustainability

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Affordable and clean energy, Reduced inequalities, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,260