Volume 59

New approaches to comparing and visualising national energy rating data for buildings Allan Hawas, Polly Hudson, Mihyun Kim, Leo Hatvani, Mateusz Konieczny, Falli Palaiologou, Xiaodan Shi, Taimaz Larimian

Abstract

The revised 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has strengthened the use of the Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) as the key tool for assessing and classifying the energy efficiency of buildings. Heterogeneity persists, however, in how ratings are interpreted, implemented and made accessible, within and across EU countries. Significant challenges still exist in terms of cross-country alignment, with capabilities of AI and ML for global region analysis underexploited, and research overlaps common. This paper investigates ways in which the Colouring Cities Research Programme (CCRP), and its network of research-led, open spatial data visualisation platforms, can support wider and more consistent EPC implementation, and public dialogue around energy targets. Drawing on case studies from Sweden and Britain, it compares methods for generating energy ratings; EPC openness and accessibility; and highlights the benefits of publicly visualising EPCs at multiple scales using a shared data schema. Results show the value of interactive and integrated open platform networks, for mapping and contextualising EPC data, increasing crosssector engagement, and helping nudge behaviour to accelerate decarbonisation in the building sector.

Keywords Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Colouring Cities Research Programme (CCRP), Open Spatial Data Networks, Data Standardisation, Knowledge Exchange, Energideklaration.