Improving energy efficiency of multi-family buildings, impacts on indoor environmental quality and health

National and international efforts are needed in order to mitigate climate change. It has been estimated that the largest potential for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions is in the building sector, where some 27% of energy is used in residential buildings. Within the EU, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) are the main legislative tools aimed at improving the energy efficiency (EE) of both new and existing buildings. The legislation is being implemented through national policies and programs, which usually focus on lowering the energy consumption of buildings. Improving EE can also impact indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and occupants’ health and wellbeing, though information on these effects is sparse.