IWG5 Buildings (SET Plan)

The IWG5-CSA project supported the Implementation Working Group on Energy Efficiency in Buildings (IWG5) by providing secretarial support, scientific expertise, and increased visibility. Funded by Horizon Europe (Sept. 2022 - Aug. 2025), the project strengthened IWG5’s role within the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan), which drives the development of low-carbon technologies for a climate-neutral energy system.

The consortium - EUREC (coordinator), ECTP, EURAC, and WIP - boosted IWG5’s coordination, technical work, and outreach impact. 

Key results of the IWG5-CSA project include: 

Updating the IWG5 Implementation Plan: Advancing Knowledge and Tools for the Building Energy Transition

IWG5 CSA established seven temporary Task Forces, bringing together both members and external experts, to develop 7 white papers on key technical and societal aspects of the energy transition in buildings: 

• Prefabricated Active Modules for Façades and Roofs or Key Enabling Technologies for Active Building Skins 
• Sustainable Material-based Solutions For Energy Efficient Buildings 
• Digitalization of Buildings 
• Clean Heating & Cooling Technologies and Thermal Energy Storage for Buildings
• Energy-efficient buildings as job-creation motor 
• Affordable, Sustainable Energy Transition and Building Renovation
• Industrialisation in Construction

These seven white papers informed the update of IWG5 2025 Implementation Plan, shaping the group’s objectives and strategic priorities for accelerating the deployment of clean technologies in the building sector. The IWG5 Implementation Plan outlines 11 strategic targets and  more than 90 flagship projects reflecting cutting-edge advancements across the EU. 

In addition, the Consortium launched an online IWG5 tool that enables users to assess energy consumption, costs, and environmental impacts for baseline scenarios and renovation packages across the European building stock. Consortium partners also published two reports offering recommendations on National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP report) and National Building Renovation Plans (NRBP report). The results of the recommendations on NBRPs were presented at a webinar on sustainable renovation. 

Strengthening Collaboration and Visibility Across Europe 

IWG5 has strengthened its internal organisation and member collaboration. An outreach campaign added 16 new IWG5 members, improving the network’s geographical balance. A new coordinating IWG5 Board was set up and regular meetings, featured speakers on national funding frameworks, EU strategies and legislation, and technical solutions from industry and academia. The consortium also provided input for the annual SET Plan progress report of IWG5.

At the same time, IWG5 has increased its external visibility to position itself as a trusted European network. The CSA organised Study Tours to showcase exemplary buildings in Berlin, Brussels and Valencia. CSA partners actively represented IWG5 at numerous international events, including the last three SET Plan Conferences (Prague, Viladecans and Budapest). The consortium launched a Policy Radar newsletter and supported IWG5 with an extensive communication package.