Session

One of the most significant and timely challenges in the European landscape consists of the adaptation of the existing building stock in response to the new directive on the energy performance of buildings, EPBD4 (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). For this purpose, the energy performance of the vast existing building stock should be strongly improved, through a systemic, integrated, and sustainable approach. The goal is ambitious: to make buildings not only more energy-efficient but also more resilient, digital, and socially inclusive. In this context, urban and energy planning becomes crucial. Cities, as major centers of consumption and emissions, must take a leading role in the transition. An integrated approach is needed - one that combines urban planning, renewable energy technologies, sustainable mobility, and smart grid management. However, implementing the EPBD4 directive cannot overlook the social and economic dimensions of the transition. Renovation also means creating jobs, revitalizing local production chains, and above all, ensuring equity and accessibility. It is essential that the costs and benefits of the energy transition are distributed fairly, avoiding new forms of energy poverty and promoting inclusion. During this session, experts, researchers, and institutional representatives will discuss technical solutions, governance models, financial tools, and social impacts with the shared goal of building a collective vision for a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban and energy future.