The pilot project 'Integrated techniques for the seismic strengthening and energy efficiency of existing buildings' puts forward a holistic approach to improve simultaneously the seismic safety and energy efficiency of the European building stock.
Earthquakes threaten a large percentage of homes and public buildings across the EU. At the same time, inefficient energy consumption of outdated buildings is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Our sustainable approach combines renovation efforts that reduce building vulnerability to protect lives and update the energy efficiency of ageing structures to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and tackle energy poverty.
The pilot project was entrusted by the European Parliament to the JRC.
We tailor our analysis to building typologies, climatic and seismic exposure in each Member State, identifying suitable intervention scenarios and measures that incentivise funding and investments in risk-proofed buildings. Our findings help achieve longstanding policy goals and provide industry with innovative methods to modernise the EU building stock. What’s more, our success will help preserve our rich architectural identity.
We directly support several European Commission priorities including the Green Deal’s call for renovating in an energy and resource efficient way. We provide the technical background in support of the Renovation Wave initiative and an EU action plan to modernise the European building stock.
The pilot project provides data and information to enable objectives from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, all calling for the upgrading of ageing buildings.
Additionally, it supports the EU Civil Protection Mechanism through disaster prevention interventions in the built environment by providing renovation information and data to regions with a high vulnerability to seismic activity.
Participate in our efforts through upcoming workshops on scientific output and policy achievements. Join our community of policy makers, industry players, experts, associations and organisations, as together we design a safer, resilient and more sustainable EU!
We support seismic strengthening and energy efficiency renovation activities through the provision of research, tools, reports and case studies. All findings are made available as open access.
Scientific findings from the pilot project identify the most efficient and effective methods for renovation decisions. Companies, contractors, municipalities and homeowners can benefit from this broad-based research project.
Our case studies and deliverables offer technical insights and proof of concept that enable regions to achieve policy goals, especially in areas that previously lacked actionable information on local practices, financing schemes, and unique building typologies.
By identifying attainable and effective approaches to renovation projects equally across the EU, we help regions increase renovation rates and achieve the benefit of upgrades on a large scale. This builds a case for further improved standards and codes while providing a foundation of knowledge on the European built environment to build upon.
09 Jul 2026
