The IEQ President’s Lunch: Paving the Way for Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality

On October 18th, the IEQ President’s Lunch brought together leading stakeholders to discuss the future of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in the context of the recently adopted Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) IV. This event provided an invaluable platform for collaboration and dialogue, highlighting the growing importance of IEQ in the broader framework of building performance and sustainability. Participants emphasized the critical need for ongoing momentum and cooperation among industry stakeholders as the implementation of EPBD IV advances at the national level.

A key focus of the discussions was the expanded role of IEQ within the recast EPBD. Attendees explored its scope and inclusion, acknowledging the significant opportunities this creates for healthier, more efficient buildings. However, participants also identified several challenges that must be addressed to ensure effective implementation. One pressing issue is the measurement of IEQ performance, as the lack of standardized metrics across the EU complicates efforts to assess and compare outcomes. Another major hurdle is the renovation of existing building stock, where integrating IEQ improvements presents technical and financial challenges. Additionally, tracking compliance and enforcing IEQ measures consistently across Member States will require robust frameworks and active oversight.

The Presidents and their secretariats reached a consensus on the next steps needed to advance IEQ priorities. Engaging national authorities, particularly those responsible for energy, environment, and public health, was deemed essential to embed IEQ considerations into policy and action plans. The group also advocated for greater standardization, calling for the use of CEN and ISO standards to establish harmonized methods for IEQ measurement. This approach ensures a common framework while allowing Member States to retain control over specific requirements. Furthermore, incorporating IEQ into existing tools, such as the Smart Readiness Indicator and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), was highlighted as a vital step. These tools are seen as crucial for assessing and demonstrating IEQ performance in buildings, helping to make it a central component of the building sector’s progress.

The event also marked the launch of two significant documents co-drafted by members of the Informal IEQ Gathering. The first, a political position paper, outlines key priorities and commitments to ensure IEQ remains central to building performance discussions within the EPBD framework. The second, a technical guidance document, provides practical recommendations to support the implementation of IEQ provisions in line with EPBD IV. These documents reflect the collaborative effort and shared ambition of the industry to advance IEQ in a meaningful way.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners—EPB Center, EPEE, EVIA, GCP EUROPE, IFMA, LightingEurope, and REHVA—for their contributions to this productive and insightful gathering. Their input was invaluable in shaping the day’s discussions and outcomes.

You can read both of the political and technical documents below, along with a summary of the event.

Together, we can ensure Indoor Environmental Quality remains at the forefront of building performance and sustainability efforts across the EU.