The Buildings Challenge: policy, not technology

This paper presents a science-based roadmap to fully decarbonise Europe’s buildings by 2040, in line with the Paris Agreement, and identifies the missing enablers.

Based on the Paris Agreement Compatible (PAC) Scenario developed by CAN Europe and EEB, it shows that combining energy efficiency and electrification can cut building energy demand by 50% and deliver deep emissions reductions—without requiring major lifestyle changes.

The analysis finds that proven technologies like heat pumps, renewable district heating and rooftop solar are already available and cost-effective, but progress is held back by weak policies, fossil fuel subsidies and distorted energy prices. The paper calls for urgent EU and national action to fix these policy barriers and unlock a renovation and electrification boom for a zero-emissions building sector.