"Level(s) Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Funding opportunity under LIFE (11/08/2021)

Dear all,

Level(s) cited in EU legislation for the first time (10/06/2021)

Legislation featuring performance criteria to help the built environment sector reduce the whole-life carbon impact of new buildings has been approved by the European Commission. The criteria for new buildings also cite Level(s) as a tool to support companies and other stakeholders to track performance in this area. The technical screening criteria for new buildings are part of the EU Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act, which guides sustainable investments by highlighting economic activities that support the EU’s environmental objectives. As part of the provisions, developers of properties larger than 5 000 square metres will need to calculate the building's lifecycle global warming potential (whole-life carbon) and disclose their findings to investors and clients.

Level(s) and New European Bauhaus showcased at EU Green Week (11/06/2021)

Thanks to those who joined the session on the ‘Search for sustainable buildings’ at EU Green Week on 3 June, which showed how the New European Bauhaus (NEB) and Level(s) can drive a circular and inclusive built-environment transformation.

New on the Level(s) website (11/06/2021)

We have added a new ‘Let’s meet Level(s)’ section to our website. This new learning hub helps you identify how Level(s) works, what’s in it for you, and how to get started. An e-learning package and calculator tool will also be added to the website towards the end of 2021 to help you learn how to apply Level(s) in practice. To be notified when these resources are released, simply join the LinkedIn group.

New from the helpdesk: Level(s) FAQs (11/06/2021)

Thank you to community members who have been emailing queries to the Level(s) helpdesk. We have developed answers to three frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Essential viewing: Learn how Level(s) complements building certification systems (11/06/2021)

If you are interested in understanding how Level(s) complements building certification systems across the EU, be sure to watch the recently recorded LIFE Level(s) workshop video. The session highlights, through practical examples, how national certification schemes are adopting the Level(s) common language to stay aligned with European priorities and address climate change.

Highlights from the RICS World Built Environment Forum (11/06/2021)

The RICS World Built Environment Forum hosted a fascinating webinar on ‘Building Circularity into the European Economies through Sustainable Procurement’ as part of its series exploring important challenges.

How to put circularity into practice with Level(s) (11/06/2021)

Embracing the circular economy can help you to save raw materials, identify opportunities for reuse or recycling and to ensure buildings are sufficiently adaptable, should occupants’ needs change.

The Lindblom Interview (11/06/2021)

Interview with Professor Marzia Traverso, INaB Institute and Circular.srl

Save the date! Level(s) virtual conference (24/11/2021)

The European Commission is delighted to announce plans for the Level(s) virtual conference on the EU framework for sustainable buildings. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what Level(s) means for you and the built-environment sector.

Quiz – how much do you really know about Level(s)? (11/06/2021)

This time we will be testing your overall understanding of Level(s). Be careful! There are a few trick questions, based on some popular myths. Prepare yourself for a top score by watching the brief video introduction to Level(s), recorded by AHK Debelux (the German-Belgian-Luxembourgish Chamber of Commerce).

Take the quiz.

A new Level(s) LinkedIn group and helpdesk (19/02/2021)

We’re pleased to announce two new features from Level(s), the European framework for sustainable buildings:

• A Level(s) LinkedIn group. The new group launches today and is your hub to share experiences of Level(s) with other members. It is also a perfect place to stay up to date. Join the group here!


• A new helpdesk is now live. Simply email your queries about any aspect of Level(s) to levels@ecorys.com. Ecorys Europe manages the helpdesk on behalf of the European Commission. Their team of experts can respond to your enquiries in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Polish.

A New European Bauhaus movement (19/02/2021)

At its core, Level(s) is about helping the construction and real estate sectors to take a full lifecycle approach to the sustainability of buildings. President von der Leyen’s recent announcement launching the New European Bauhaus movement has given this mission a huge boost. Inspired by the Bauhaus pioneers, the Commission wants to pool the expertise of architects, designers, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and students to produce radical, holistic solutions to sustainable living and boost the green transition. You, and your networks, can be part of this new movement by joining the discussion on the New European Bauhaus online platform. There, you will also be the first to hear about plans for five New European Bauhaus projects in EU Member States. Find out more

New UN report highlights innovative pathways for sustainable construction (19/02/2021)

A new report by the UN Environment Programme includes a detailed chapter examining the global construction value chain, exploring the scope for improvements in the areas of natural resource use and environmental impacts. It highlights the potential for the sector to contribute to the UN sustainable development goals and sets out ways in which the levers of government can make construction more sustainable.

Have your say! Consultation on changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) (25/02/2021)

In 2020, the Commission presented its Renovation Wave strategy to boost the energy renovation of buildings in the EU. This strategy contains an action plan with: (i) regulatory, financing and enabling measures; and (ii) the goal of at least doubling the annual energy renovation rate of buildings by 2030. This goal requires a revision of the relevant EU legal act, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The revision will focus on provisions that are central to boosting building renovation. The Commission would like to hear your views.

This roadmap is open for feedback. Feedback will be taken into account for the further development and fine tuning of the initiative. The Commission will summarise the comments received in a report, explaining how feedback will be taken on board and, if applicable, why certain suggestions can't be taken up. View the inception impact assessment for the EPBD revision and share your views before 22 March 2021.

Interview with Susana Saiz, Arup Spain (19/02/2021)

For this edition, Josefina Lindblom interviews Susana Saiz, Associate Director in the sustainability team of Arup Spain. Arup is a firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment. Josefina and Susana discuss some exciting new Level(s) tools and training materials planned for release later this year.

Webinar: An introduction to Level(s) for organisations in Slovakia and Czechia (09/03/2021)

The Green Building Councils of Slovakia and Czechia are hosting a 90-minute webinar introduction to Level(s). If you work in the construction or built environment space in Slovakia or Czechia and would like to find out more about the European framework for sustainable buildings, be sure not to miss this opportunity. Speakers include Josefina Lindblom (European Commission), Jean-Pierre Pigeolet (Knauf Insulation), Judit Kimpian (Architects Council of Europe) and Andrea Moro (President of the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Italy). There will also be plenty of time to ask questions during panel discussions.

EU Green Week 2021 (31/05/2021)

EU Green Week is your annual opportunity to debate and discuss European environmental policy. This year’s focus is on the Commission’s zero pollution ambition. We encourage organisations and stakeholders in the buildings and construction space to be part of this flagship event, and share your expertise in cutting pollution through improving the sustainability of buildings throughout their lifecycle. You can host a partner event, including, of course, online events and webinars. Activities can take place at all levels (local, regional, national, or European) and may be hosted online, offline, or in hybrid format.

Quiz - The New European Bauhaus movement (19/02/2021)

In this issue, our quiz tests you on the New European Bauhaus movement.

Try the quiz!

Share your results in the LinkedIn group!

Level(s) website gets a new look (12/11/2020)

Following the launch of the Level(s) framework in mid-October, the Level(s) website has been revamped, with all the information and materials now being accessible from the new website landing page.

Level(s) Stakeholder Briefings (05/11/2020)

On 19th October, business leaders and policymakers who had previously interacted with the Level(s) project in the testing phase discussed their experience of the framework.

Level(s): Bringing buildings into the circular economy (05/11/2020)

The purpose of the Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference was to present the Circular Economy Action Plan to stakeholders from across Europe, and together discuss the next steps in the transition to a circular economy.

Europe’s Green Deal: the Renovation Wave (06/11/2020)

*The content of this article represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.*

Pascal Eveillard, Saint-Gobain (05/11/2020)

Each month, Josefina Lindblom, DG ENV’s lead on the Level(s) initiative and member of the Sustainable Production, Products and Consumption Unit, talks to someone who really understands Level(s) and the benefits of the framework for building professionals and occupants. This month she talked to Pascal Eveillard, Group Director, Sustainable Business Development at Saint-Gobain, the EU based building distribution, construction products, and innovative materials multinational

Testing Level(s) on Stora Enso’s School Concept in Finland (05/11/2020)

Stora Enso has launched a concept for a modular wooden school building to overcome barriers and inspire customers and other value chain members to design, construct and maintain sustainable buildings from wood. A wooden school is a low carbon, renewable alternative that can help combat global warming and lower material manufacturing and processing emissions.

Star Tweet (06/11/2020)

This issue’s Star Tweet is by the European Federation of the Precast Concrete Industry.

Construction products – Fit for the future? (18/11/2020)

One of the greatest achievements of European integration is the Single Market and its free movement of goods. Thanks to harmonised European standards, the construction industry is able to sell its products everywhere in Europe. As the legal basis for marketing construction products, the Construction Products Regulation needs to keep up with constantly changing technology. In addition to creating a functioning Single Market for construction products while ensuring building structure safety, we need to overcome the standstill in standardisation. Greater attention should also be paid to subjects such as health, climate change mitigation, sustainability and the circular economy. The European Green Deal has already set out a number of goals.

Final meeting of the Interreg project Build2LC (03/12/2020)

The on-line meeting will count on high level presentations concerning Interreg Europe project results, the S3 Interregional Partnership, the European way of bringing buildings into the circular economy, as well as Technical Sessions related with New Financial Instruments; Professionalisation of the Construction Sector; New energy culture, citizens involvement and energy poverty; and Innovation. The BUILD2LC Boosting Low Carbon Innovative Building Rehabilitation in European Regions project, aims at increasing the energy rehabilitation of buildings in Europe, reducing energy consumption and enhancing policies which favour the creation of a market for specialised companies in this sector.

Renovation Wave Quiz (06/11/2020)

Do you think you know the Renovation Wave inside out? Take our quiz to find out (1 point per correct answer).

The EU Recovery Plan – how can Level(s) help in the post-COVID-19 period? (29/07/2020)

*The content of this article represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.*

Paving the way for the official launch of Level(s) (14/07/2020)

The date for the official launch of the Level(s) initiative is fast approaching. The European Commission has been working tirelessly to perfect this framework for sustainable buildings by incorporating feedback received over the last months. Together with the results from the Level(s) test phase and the feedback received at the conference which took place in Brussels in February, this also includes the contributions made to the Consultation “Level(s) – A common EU framework of core sustainability indicators”.

Philippa Gill, EVORA GLOBAL (14/07/2020)

Each month Josefina Lindblom, DG ENV’s lead on the Level(s) initiative and member of the Sustainable Production, Products and Consumption Unit, talks to someone who really understand Level(s) and the benefits adopting the framework has for building professionals and occupants. This month she talked to Philippa Gill, Director of EVORA GLOBAL, a leading company in the delivery of sustainable solutions for commercial properties.They started their conversation talking about Philippa’s involvement in the Level(s) test phase and feedback rounds

Romania: Romania Green Building Council and CRISCON – SMARTER Finance for Families (14/07/2020)

Level(s) is steadily making its way across EU member states. After visiting Slovenia in the previous newsletter, we now head to Romania to discover the “SMARTER Finance For Families” H2020 project and their Green Homes Green Mortgages initiative.

Star Tweet (14/07/2020)

This issue’s Star Tweet is by the Croatian Green Building Council.

Benelux Builds Circular (10/09/2020)

The Benelux countries are working hard on developing and realising sustainable and circular buildings and infrastructure. Adding the Green Deal of the European Commission to this context and the European Circular Economy Action Plan, the Dutch Embassy, the Dutch Permanent Representation, the Luxembourg Embassy and the General Secretariat of the Benelux Union are organising a webinar on "Benelux builds circular". Upon invitation

Regulatory Sandboxes for the Climate Emergency: Building Renovation and 1 Million Homes (16/09/2020)

EIT Climate-KIC (European Institute of Innovation and Technology, Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community) is organising a webinar on Regulatory Sandboxes for the Climate Emergency: Building Renovation and 1 Million Homes on 16th September. Upon invitation

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region meetings with stakeholders (17/09/2020)

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, in cooperation with its economic agency, is organising a mission with a number of regional economic stakeholders (clusters, companies) on the subject of sustainable buildings on 17 September in Brussels. Upon invitation

Sustainable Construction through Circular Economy under the Green Deal (30/09/2020)

Cerame-Unie invites you to join their upcoming webinar, which will take place on Wednesday 30 September from 10:00 to 11:30, and will focus on Sustainable Construction through Circular Economy under the Green Deal. As part of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan aims at accelerating and promoting the transition to a circular economy. This second webinar will focus on the contribution of ceramic construction products to circular and sustainable construction and the challenges that lie ahead.

Circular Economy Action Plan Quiz (29/07/2020)

Do you think you know the Circular Economy Action Plan inside out? Take our quiz to find out (1 point per correct answer).

“Debate, Reflect, Advise – Get Level(s) right” Conference (20/03/2020)

Take a look at what happened during the “Debate, Reflect, Advise – Get Level(s) right” Conference on 20th February in Brussels.

New Circular Economy Action Plan published (20/03/2020)

What will this ambitious plan mean for circularity and sustainability in the built environment?

Audrey Nugent, World Green Building Council (20/03/2020)

Each month Josefina Lindblom, DG ENV’s lead on the Level(s) initiative and member of the Sustainable Production, Products and Consumption Unit, talks to someone who really understand Level(s) and the benefits adopting the framework has for building professionals and occupants. This month she talked to Audrey Nugent, Head of Advocacy at the World Green Building Council. Green Building Councils (GBCs) bring together businesses and other organisations active in the building and construction industry to work on greening buildings nationally and globally. They started their conversation talking about the involvement of the Green Building Councils in Level(s).

Slovenia: Knauf Insulation and the Slovenian Government (20/03/2020)

The KIEXC project has the ultimate goal of reshaping building sustainability requirements.

Star Tweet (20/03/2020)

This issue’s Star Tweet is by Céline Carré, Head of Public Affairs at Saint Gobain and Vice-President of EuroACE.

EU Green Deal quiz (06/04/2020)

Do you think you know the EU Green Deal inside out? Take our quiz to find out (1 point per correct answer).

COVID-19 (07/04/2020)

N.B. The Calendar of Events will become a regular section of the Level(s) newsletter just as soon as those countries who are experiencing a COVID-19 lockdown make public events possible once again.