Energy efficiency: EBC highlights SME priorities for EPBD implementation at CNA event on Italy’s energy-efficiency market

As part of the ongoing cooperation between CNA and the Foundation for Sustainable Development on sustainability matters, CNA has partnered in the project “False Myths of the Transition,” led by Italy for Climate, the Foundation’s research centre. The initiative aims to provide clear and accurate information on key issues related to the energy transition by dismantling “false myths” — that is, misleading or incomplete narratives surrounding crucial aspects of the shift to a climate-neutral economy. 

After a first phase dedicated to renewable energy in 2024, this second phase focused on debunking false myths related to the decarbonisation of the building sector, both residential and non-residential. The event offered an opportunity to take stock of the state of play, particularly in relation to the EU directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) and the broader regulatory and market landscape shaping the future of construction. 

EBC took the floor to present the perspective of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the future of energy renovation across Europe and the ongoing transposition and soon implementation phase since the adoption of the recast EPBD in May 2024. 

A sector Built on SMEs 

Representing EBC, Secretary General Fernando Sigchos Jiménez delivered a detailed intervention on the importance of aligning EU renovation goals with the reality of the construction ecosystem, where over 94% of companies are microenterprises with fewer than 10 employees. 

EBC emphasised that achieving the climate neutrality target by 2050 hinges on empowering these SMEs through realistic, inclusive policy frameworks. With only 1% of the building stock currently being renovated annually, reaching the EU’s goal of renovating 35 million buildings by 2030 remains out of reach without addressing funding gaps, skills shortages, and regulatory complexity. 

During the conference, EBC called for a balanced implementation of the revised EPBD, focusing on five key areas: 

• Accessible and reliable funding: Public and private financing mechanisms must be simplified and made accessible to EU citizens, property owners and SMEs through tax incentives, guarantees, and better alignment with EU funds. 

• Skills development and labour availability: National building renovation plans must integrate vocational training and upskilling to overcome the acute shortage of qualified workers and attract new talent into the construction sector. 

• One-Stop-Shops (OSS): The development of local, trusted, and independent renovation support hubs to guide citizens and SMEs throughout the renovation journey would help offload tasks that fall outside the typical scope of construction SMEs. 

• Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS): While supporting the introduction of MEPS for non-residential buildings and renovation pathways for residential ones, EBC stressed the importance of flexibility for national adaptation and SME capacity. 

• Support for all meaningful energy upgrades: Renovation efforts that improve energy classes — even if they do not lead directly to zero-emission buildings — should be encouraged and supported, including through the EU Taxonomy framework. 

From Superbonus to structural reform in Italy 

The event also examined the lessons from Italy’s Superbonus experience, highlighting its significant impact on renovation rates, but also its lack of long-term stability. While temporary schemes may boost short-term activity, EBC underscored the need for a long-term renovation strategy rooted in predictability, technical assistance, and SME involvement. 

Italy is now preparing its National Building Renovation Plan, a key requirement under the revised EPBD. EBC stressed the importance of involving construction SMEs in the drafting of these plans and ensuring that they address real market barriers — particularly administrative burdens, fragmented support tools, and the lack of skilled professionals. 

In closing, EBC reminded policymakers that SMEs are already driving the transformation of Europe’s building stock but cannot succeed without adequate support. The current housing crisis and rising energy costs make renovation not only a climate imperative but also a lever for affordability, energy independence, and social inclusion. In a period marked by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty, energy renovation offers a path to resilient, sustainable growth — provided it is backed by funding, training, and a stable regulatory framework. 

EBC remains committed to ensuring that the revised EPBD is implemented in a way that is ambitious, yet realistic, and truly enables SMEs to lead the way.