Introducing the One Click Reno Renovation Passport Data Model: A European Blueprint for Deep Renovation
When we think about climate change, buildings might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet in the European Union, they account for around 40% of energy use and more than a third of greenhouse gas emissions. To meet Europe’s climate goals, we need to make buildings smarter, greener, and more efficient. With this in mind, the EU has published the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024/1275), which requires all Member States to introduce a Renovation Passport scheme by May 2026. It is within this context that our work becomes essential. From the start of the project, we have focused on developing the Renovation Passport Data Model, a tool designed to redefine how homeowners plan and undertake the deep renovation of their homes.
A Renovation Passport is a personalised, long-term roadmap that guides building owners through a phased renovation process, making the journey towards a zero-emission home more manageable and financially accessible. Rather than offering static, one-off recommendations, the passport evolves over time, adapting to the building’s improvements and helping owners make informed decisions step by step. The One Click Reno data model provides a ready-to-use framework that countries can adopt or adapt, supporting faster compliance with the EPBD and fostering greater harmonisation across Europe.
This model also represents an important evolution beyond traditional Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). While EPCs offer a snapshot of current performance, the Renovation Passport incorporates long-term planning, multiple assessment dimensions, and a dynamic, future-oriented structure. Under the EPBD, the passport can even replace the EPC’s recommendations section when issued together, making it a more complete and actionable tool for homeowners.
At its core, the model is built on two main pillars: a detailed baseline assessment of the building’s current condition and a time-based renovation roadmap outlining how it can improve through one or more renovation steps. Each future scenario mirrors the structure of the baseline, enabling clear before-and-after comparisons and helping owners understand the impact of each intervention. Renovation is assessed across five key dimensions: energy performance, financial aspects, indoor comfort, environmental impact, and smart readiness, ensuring that planning considers not only efficiency but also affordability, well-being, and long-term resilience.
Supporting this approach is a robust data architecture organised into 14 information blocks covering building identification, envelope characteristics, technical systems, renewable installations, and operating conditions. The model includes mandatory fields required by the EPBD and optional fields that allow countries to adapt the passport to local needs. Its development was informed by a large EU-wide survey and validation workshops in Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Stakeholders emphasised the need for clear, non-technical information, flexibility in renovation planning, and the integration of local specificities such as climate, construction practices, and available subsidies.
One of the model’s greatest strengths is its long-term usability. When a renovation step is completed, the corresponding future scenario becomes the new baseline, while previous configurations are preserved as historical records. This ensures the passport always reflects the building’s actual state and renovation journey. The model is provided in Excel, XML, and PDF formats, supporting integration with national databases, GIS tools, and digital building logbooks. It is also accompanied by practical guidance, validation templates, and tools supporting both expert assessments and simplified preliminary analyses.
By combining European consistency with national flexibility, the One Click Reno Renovation Passport Data Model offers a practical and future-proof framework capable of accelerating deep renovation across Europe. It equips public authorities with a solid basis for implementing the EPBD and empowers building owners with a clear, evolving roadmap to improve comfort, reduce emissions, and prepare their homes for a sustainable future.
