Project title: OBSERVE - Support for setting up national Building Stock obsERVatoriEs

Project ID: 101167643

ABOUT OBSERVE

The OBSERVE project aims to guide national authorities in developing Building Stock Observatories by standardizing protocols for data collection and streamlining coordination between relevant bodies. This effort directly supports the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and enhances the transparency of building energy data across the EU.

OBSERVE is an innovative initiative designed to address the pressing need for reliable, high-quality building data to support the reduction of carbon emissions in the building sector. Policymakers require accurate and updated data to monitor and evaluate the impact of building-related policies effectively. The project bridges the gap between existing national databases and the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). By leveraging the strengths of current systems and addressing their shortcomings, OBSERVE develops and implements advanced data collection methods and strategies. OBSERVE provides comprehensive support to national authorities in establishing Building Stock Observatories, emphasizing standardized data collection and management processes. Through improved methodologies and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, the project ensures alignment with both European and national objectives while enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of building data.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Reviewing existing data collection processes and databases at national and EU levels to find what works well and identify problems.
• Creating standardized methods for collecting and combining building data that comply with EPBD requirements.
• Helping national authorities design database systems that fit their specific needs and challenges.
• Developing consistent datasets while allowing for country-specific details.
• Providing direct support to six pilot Member States: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
• Sharing best practices and successful governance models with other EU countries.
• Ensuring national databases align with the EU Building Stock Observatory to enhance collaboration.

ALIGNMENT WITH THE EPBD REQUIREMENTS

Having accurate building data is essential for tracking energy performance and evaluating policies. The revised EPBD, adopted in May 2024, requires all EU Member States to create national databases to monitor the energy performance of buildings. These databases must include details about individual buildings and overall data on the country’s building stock. Member States must also regularly share this information with the EU Building Stock Observatory, which tracks the progress of energy policies across Europe.

BUILDING SYNERGIES ACROSS EUROPE

OBSERVE’s collaborative approach will improve the transparency and usefulness of building data. By supporting national authorities, OBSERVE helps improve energy and climate policies for 2030 and promotes smarter decision-making on building energy efficiency and compliance with regulations.

Main project website: https://lifeprojects.r2msolution.com/observe/

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.