Building renovation and maintenance passport: what it is and how it works

A new tool for sustainable building management

The building renovation and maintenance passport represents one of the key innovations introduced by recent European directives on energy efficiency and sustainability of the real estate stock. This digital document is designed to guide owners, managers, and technicians in the strategic planning of renovation and maintenance interventions, with the goal of achieving zero-emission buildings by 2050. Its adoption marks a decisive step toward digitalization and transparency in property management.

The regulatory framework: European directive and Italian transposition

The renovation passport was introduced by the European “Green Homes” Directive (EPBD), which requires Member States to adopt digital systems for planning energy efficiency improvements. The deadline for implementation is set for 29 May 2026. In Italy, the transposition process is ongoing: the passport is not yet mandatory, but national regulations must be aligned within the established timeframe, defining operational rules and application scopes.

What the building renovation and maintenance passport is

The renovation passport is a digital document that captures the current condition of a building and outlines a customized roadmap for renovation and maintenance actions. Its purpose is to guide owners toward the progressive improvement of energy performance, safety, and comfort, clearly indicating actions, timelines, costs, and benefits for each stage.

Mandatory nature and application areas

At present, the renovation passport is a voluntary tool, but the European directive allows Member States to make it mandatory for specific building categories or interventions. In the future, it may become required for public buildings, condominiums, incentivized properties, or during property transactions. Monitoring regulatory developments is essential to be prepared in advance.

Passport contents and structure

The building renovation and maintenance passport includes a set of key information essential for managing and enhancing the asset. The main elements include:

• Current energy performance status and overall building conditions
• Graphical roadmap with recommended intervention phases
• Estimated costs, energy savings, and environmental benefits
• List of recommended materials and guidance on circularity, comfort, and safety
• Scheduled ordinary and extraordinary maintenance
• Access to available incentives and financing opportunities
• Update procedures and traceability of completed interventions

This structure provides a comprehensive overview and enables proactive management of the building’s entire life cycle.

Drafting and digital management: who can do it and how

The drafting of the passport is carried out by qualified professionals (engineers, architects, energy certifiers) who, after a detailed assessment, collect the required data and enter it in digital format. The document is then stored in digital registers and can be updated over time, ensuring traceability and transparency for every completed intervention.

Practical benefits for owners and managers

Adopting the renovation passport delivers several concrete benefits:

• Strategic planning of interventions, reducing costs and timelines
• Easier access to incentives and tax benefits
• Increased property value through transparency and traceability
• Full control over maintenance, efficiency, and safety
• Support for sustainability and emission reduction
• Simplified document management and collaboration among all stakeholders

These advantages make the passport an essential tool for those managing valuable real estate portfolios.

Digital tools and the role of the Digital Twin

Digital technologies such as BIM, Digital Twin, and CMMS are key enablers in creating and managing the passport. A Digital Twin allows all building information to be centralized within a single platform, integrating data from BIM, IoT sensors, and maintenance systems. This approach enables:

• Real-time updates of data and interventions
• Simulation of renovation scenarios and benefit assessment
• Effective collaboration between technical teams, managers, and owners
• Advanced reporting to monitor performance and results

Digitalization simplifies management and turns the passport into a dynamic, continuously updated tool.

Renovation passport and EPC: differences and synergies

The renovation passport and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) are complementary tools. The EPC provides a static snapshot of current energy performance, while the passport offers a dynamic and planned improvement pathway. Using them together enables a more complete and informed building management approach.

How UTwin supports passport management

The UTwin platform enables the digitalization, updating, and management of all information required for the renovation and maintenance passport. By integrating BIM, IoT, and maintenance data, UTwin centralizes documentation, streamlines team collaboration, and ensures real-time updates. This approach supports more efficient, transparent, and regulation-compliant management.

Preparing for the future of property management

The building renovation and maintenance passport represents a turning point for sustainable and digital building management. Preparing for its adoption means enhancing asset value, accessing new opportunities, and contributing to decarbonization goals. Digitalization is the key to successfully addressing future property management challenges.