Steering Energy Performance Certification Towards EU Standards—A Comparative Analysis of Albania, Kosovo, and the EU
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are key instruments in increasing the energy efficiency of buildings—and in reaching climate targets. The latest report from the RenovAID project compares three regulatory levels: the energy certification systems in the European Union, Albania, and Kosovo.
The report highlights that while EPC frameworks in the EU have become increasingly sophisticated and transparent, Albania and Kosovo are still in the early stages of establishing their own systems—although both countries have made some progress in recent years. In Albania, an EPC system is already in place, but it applies mostly to new or renovated buildings, and administrative obstacles continue to hinder broader implementation. In Kosovo, the core legislation has been adopted, but shortcomings in enforcement and data collection prevent meaningful progress in practice.
The report also puts forward a set of policy recommendations:
- Establish EPC systems aligned with EU standards,
- Create transparent and digitally accessible certificate databases,
- Strengthen the capacities of professionals involved in issuing and verifying EPCs,
- Introduce financial incentives (e.g. grants, subsidized loans) to support renovations linked to EPCs,
- and launch widespread public information campaigns to help property owners and the general public understand the benefits of energy certification.
