Fully green by 2030 , with the target shortened to 2028 for public buildings. These measures are part of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which aims to make the European building sector a cornerstone of the strategy to achieve climate neutrality .
Buildings feature prominently in the EU’s energy and environmental challenges, as they account for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of energy- related greenhouse gas emissions . This directive plays a key role in achieving the EU’s climate targets, including the Fit for 55″, which aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve zero emissions in the building sector by 2050.
One of the tools supporting this initiative is the Leadership building certification system . in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which serves as an example of how energy-efficient buildings can significantly reduce operating costs and improve environmental performance . LEED-certified buildings are known for helping reduce utility bills and attracting environmentally conscious investors and tenants, highlighting both their economic and environmental benefits.
Cyprus’ Local Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings
The Cyprus Ministry of Energy is taking a number of measures to bring the building sector in line with the EU directive. One of the main initiatives is the creation of a national building renovation plan, which includes the development of policies and the establishment of a building map to achieve energy efficiency targets by 2050. The plan aims to accelerate the renovation of inefficient buildings, increasing the annual volume from 1,000 currently to 3,000 by 2030.
Achieving these targets will require an additional €100 million in funding, raising more than €200 million in private and public sector investment. The funds will be directed towards energy efficiency projects , including the installation of solar panels, with a focus on improvements that directly impact the energy performance of buildings.
Challenges to Green Building
Despite the clear goals, there are serious challenges ahead. Among them are the shortage of skilled workers, limited financial resources for low-income households and small businesses, and the difficulty of making decisions about renting or multi-family buildings. To speed up the process, policymakers are asked to review financial support aimed at low-income families and multi-family buildings, and to provide non-monetary incentives to simplify the reconstruction process.
In addition, data collection on building energy certificates and renovation projects is being strengthened to improve transparency of the processes. Awareness-raising campaigns on the benefits of energy efficiency improvements are being conducted, which encourages greater citizen participation in these initiatives.
The role of green building and ecological architecture
The Commissioner for the Environment of Cyprus, Antonia Theodosiou, highlighted the importance of green building and architecture, highlighting two main areas: green building and outdoor spaces, and green urban and rural planning. In the context of the construction sector, legislative requirements for the energy performance of buildings and the integration of renewable energy sources are becoming essential elements in the process of obtaining building permits.
Theodosiou also highlighted the importance of international initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus , which was launched in 2021 to promote sustainable solutions in construction. This initiative aims to transform the environment as part of a green transition and includes the use of sustainable materials and sustainable building design.
One example is Neocleous Tower in Limassol , a LEED -certified building that demonstrates the potential benefits of green design and innovation. It reflects Cyprus’ growing efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into architecture. Similar initiatives can be found in other buildings across the island, reflecting a broader commitment to green development.
The goals set by the European Union and Cyprus in the field of green building require an integrated approach and active participation of both the public and private sectors. LEED certification of buildings, along with national and international initiatives, helps to develop a building sector that will contribute to green economic growth, improve the environmental situation and ensure the availability of quality housing for future generations.
