The Renovate Europe Campaign launched its Educational Buildings Campaign in October 2025, calling on all EU Member States to make educational buildings frontrunners in the transition towards a zero-emission building stock by 2050 and to commit to their deep renovation by 2035. This can be achieved through the inclusion of dedicated measures for educational buildings in National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), which are currently under preparation.
As part of this initiative, a private roundtable discussion was held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 23 June, hosted by MEP Marcos Ros Sempere.
The event brought together educators, students, policymakers and experts to discuss the future of Europe’s educational buildings. Participants explored the role of educational infrastructure in achieving Europe’s climate and energy objectives, while highlighting the benefits of deep renovation for learning environments, health, comfort and energy performance.
During the discussion, the findings of the Renovate Europe Campaign’s NBRP study, conducted in collaboration with CLIMACT and other partner organisations, were presented alongside inspiring case studies from across the European Union. The conversation was further enriched by contributions from representatives of student and teacher associations, who shared first-hand experiences and perspectives on the priorities for future educational buildings.
Agenda
Introduction
Moderation of the roundtable and presentation of the Renovate Europe Educational Buildings Campaign by Adrian Joyce, Director of the Renovate Europe Campaign.
Policy context
- The European Commission’s perspective, by Robert Nuij, Head of Unit, DG Energy: how Member States can give educational buildings a place in their National Building Renovation Plans, with an overview of the Member States that have already included them in their draft plans.
- Key findings for the call from the CLIMACT study on NBRPs, supported by the Renovate Europe Campaign and other stakeholders, presented by Quentin Jossen.
Presentations from stakeholders
- Experiences from a student representative organisation: Andra Kruna Ramsay, SUPEUS (Croatia)
- The parents’ perspective: Boštjan Bobič, European Parents’ Association (EPA)
- A sustainability assessment tool for schools: Simon Polomé, Fontana Design
- Action at national level, the Croatian communication campaign: Anđelka Toto Ormuž, HUPFAS, Renovate Europe Campaign National Partner, Croatia
Exchange between audience and speakers
An open exchange of about 30 minutes with all participants started with an intervention by Marcos Ros Sempere MEP, and the other MEPs present were given priority.
Conclusions
Marcos Ros Sempere MEP shared his impressions of the exchange and gave brief closing remarks.
