Strategies for Implementing and Scaling Renovation Passports: A Systematic Review of EU Energy Renovation Policies

Gabriela Barbosa and Manuela Almeida ()
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Gabriela Barbosa: Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE—Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, ARISE—Associate Laboratory Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Manuela Almeida: Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE—Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, ARISE—Associate Laboratory Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-28

Abstract: Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, making deep renovations essential for climate mitigation. Renovation passports (RPs) are an emerging concept still in the early stages of development, designed to provide structured step-by-step renovation roadmaps that prevent lock-in effects and optimise energy performance over time. However, their large-scale adoption in the European Union (EU) remains limited due to technical, financial, behavioural, and policy challenges. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify key strategies for the successful development and large-scale implementation of RPs in EU. A total of 217 research articles from Scopus and ScienceDirect, along with 99 EU policy documents and 16 Building Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) reports, were analysed to assess the technical, financial, behavioural, and policy dimensions of RP adoption. Our findings highlight the role of digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital building logbooks (DBLs), and one-stop shops (OSSs) in improving RP usability and accessibility. Financial barriers, such as high upfront costs and fragmented funding, require harmonised incentives, green loans, and energy performance contracting. Behavioural factors, including homeowner awareness, trust in renovation services, and decision-making complexity, also influence RP adoption. This study underscores the need for stronger policy integration between RPs and energy performance certificates (EPCs), improved financial instruments, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. By addressing these gaps, this research provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of RPs and contribute to the EU’s Renovation Wave strategy and broader climate neutrality objectives.

Keywords: renovation passport; deep renovation; energy efficiency; financial mechanisms; behavioural barriers; policy integration; digital tools; one-stop shops (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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