Set up for success? A Ukraine planning framework for the energy-efficient reconstruction of buildings

by Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE)

The recovery of Ukraine’s building sector represents a historic opportunity to deliver energy security, improved living conditions, and meaningful climate action. This report analyses three core components of Ukraine’s multi-level planning framework: the Ukraine Facility Plan, the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and the Long-term Renovation Strategy (LTRS).

Each plays a vital role in shaping how reconstruction unfolds, and determines whether or not high energy performance is prioritised as a strategic objective.

Key findings highlight that while energy efficiency is often referenced, it is not consistently defined or operationalised across planning tools. The report calls for the ‘energy efficiency first’ (EE1) principle to be clearly stated, properly contextualised for Ukraine, and built into funding schemes and policy delivery.

The briefing offers tailored recommendations to the Ukrainian government, including:

• Define the EE1 principle in national terms, linked to energy self-sufficiency and cost-efficiency

• Upgrade the LTRS to become the guiding strategy for rebuilding

• Ensure continuity of funding mechanisms like the Energy Efficiency Fund of Ukraine

To the European Commission, the report recommends:

• Continued support for EU Green Deal legislation implementation

• Conditional financial support aligned with EE1 and “build back better” principles

• Mobilisation of Member States to strengthen workforce and supply chain capacity