Industry Guide
Compliance for Real Estate & Construction
Buildings account for 40% of EU energy consumption. The regulatory framework – from zero-emission building standards and carbon pricing to product rules and environmental liability – is tightening across every stage of the asset lifecycle.
Key Regulations
EPBD – Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The 2024 recast requires all new buildings to achieve zero-emission status from 2030 and introduces minimum energy performance standards with phased mandatory renovation deadlines for the worst-performing non-residential buildings by 2027 and residential buildings by 2030, alongside renovation passports and smart readiness indicators.
→ Learn moreConstruction Products Regulation (CPR)
Sets the harmonised framework for CE marking of construction products, requiring manufacturers to draw up a Declaration of Performance demonstrating conformity with technical specifications. The revised CPR adds mandatory environmental and sustainability performance declarations covering embodied carbon and recycled content.
→ Learn moreEU ETS II – Emissions Trading System for Buildings
The 2023 revision of the EU ETS Directive introduces a separate emissions trading system covering fossil fuel combustion in buildings and road transport, expected to apply from 2027. Fuel suppliers will be required to purchase allowances for emissions from heating and cooling, passing carbon costs through to building owners and operators.
→ Learn moreEnergy Efficiency Directive (EED)
For the real estate sector, EED requires member states to renovate at least 3% of total floor area of public buildings annually, mandates energy performance certificates for buildings offered for sale or rent, and sets obligations for energy audits of large non-residential buildings.
→ Learn moreWhat Also Applies to Your Business
Sector-specific obligations that are often overlooked
Environmental Liability Directive
Establishes the polluter-pays principle for environmental damage caused by construction and real estate activities, requiring operators to prevent imminent damage and remediate land contamination, harm to protected species and habitats, and water body deterioration at their own cost.
→ Learn moreWaste Framework Directive
Applies directly to the construction sector, which is the EU's largest waste-generating industry. Requires construction and demolition projects to have site waste management plans, meet recycling and recovery targets for construction waste, and comply with extended producer responsibility schemes for construction products.
→ Learn moreFluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulation
Introduces phasedown schedules for HFCs used in HVAC and refrigeration systems, limits the use of high global warming potential refrigerants, mandates regular leak checks for larger installed systems, and requires certified technicians for servicing – directly affecting building managers and refurbishment contractors.
→ Learn moreRenewable Energy Directive (RED II)
Introduced a solar energy obligation for new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation, and requires member states to increase the share of renewable energy in heating and cooling by 1.1 percentage points annually – with direct implications for building design, renovation specifications, and energy procurement.
→ Learn moreWe track 124+ laws relevant to Real Estate & Construction – across EU-wide directives and national legislation. Explore the full registry →
How Sustainova Helps
Vicky AI
Get answers now
Ask Vicky anything about Real Estate & Construction compliance. Instant, sourced answers – no setup required.
Example questions
What are the EPBD 2024 renovation deadlines for our worst-performing non-residential and residential buildings, and how is energy performance class determined?
What F-Gas leak check frequency and certified technician requirements apply to our HVAC systems based on refrigerant charge size?
What does EED require from us as a building owner in terms of energy performance certificates, public building renovation rates, and audit obligations?
ComplyOne
Manage it ongoing
Track obligations, assign tasks, maintain audit trail – built for Real Estate & Construction specifics.
Example workflows
Maps EPBD, CPR, ETS II, and EED obligations to each building type and energy class – with renovation deadlines and penalty exposure
Assigns EPBD renovation milestones, F-Gas leak checks, and EPC renewals to facility managers with tracked deadlines
Flags EPBD energy performance standard delegated acts and ETS II timeline changes automatically
See how it works for Real Estate & Construction
We'll walk you through exactly how Vicky and ComplyOne apply to your regulatory landscape.