Towards Integrated Building Assessment: A Unified Certificate for Energy Performance and Smart Readiness

Abstract The increasing complexity of the European Union’s building performance regulations, particularly following the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024), underscores the necessity of harmonizing parallel certification schemes. In this context, the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), designed to assess the capacity of technical building systems to optimize energy use, adapt to occupants’ needs, and interact with the grid, is progressively being introduced across Member States. Simultaneously, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a long-established tool, continues to evolve towards greater granularity and utility. Despite their complementary scope, these instruments have historically been developed and implemented in isolation. This study presents a unified certification approach developed within the framework of the SmarterEPC project [1], aiming to visually and functionally integrate EPC and SRI results into a single, modular document. The proposed joint certificate consolidates mandatory and optional indicators from both schemes and is fully aligned with the EPBD 2024 and SRI Delegated Regulation requirements. Emphasis is placed on user-centric design principles, modularity for national adaptability, and visual clarity to enhance stakeholder engagement. The work introduces the conceptual design of the joint certificate, elaborating on the standardised metrics, classification schemes, and data visualisation techniques employed to support both compliance and informed decision-making. Through this integration, the joint certificate not only reduces administrative complexity but also provides a holistic view of building performance, facilitating investment, renovation planning, and policy enforcement. The proposed approach reflects a forward-looking shift toward digital, interoperable, and action-oriented assessment tools, ultimately fostering the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the EU building stock.