The ecological transition stands as one of the greatest challenges of our time—an epochal shift involving environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The EU Green Deal represents a milestone in European policy, aimed at drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, including construction, one of the most environmentally impactful sectors. In this context, the aim of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2024/1275 is to transform the European Union’s building stock into a sustainable and efficient system by 2050. This requires a complex process of adaptation that goes far beyond technical matters, touching on the economic, political, and social dynamics of each EU Member State. This article examines the EPBD issues, analyzing its objectives, operational instruments, and the critical issues related to its practical implementation. A new composite index, the Composite Building and Social Vulnerability Index (CBSVI), is proposed, as well as a four-cluster classification, allowing a detailed comparison among Member States. The impact of EPBD on households, in relation to housing characteristics, economic conditions, and structural inequalities is analyzed. The case of Italy is discussed in detail, including the incentive policy and estimated costs and benefits for compliance. The conclusion is that without an equitable housing policy, the challenges posed by the EPBD may widen the gap between families who can afford the required upgrades and those who are left behind, raising issues of energy and housing poverty.
energy efficiency; Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; European Green Deal; social inequality; energy poverty; housing policy; sustainable transition