The milestones to watch
In its 26 June 2026 update, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency highlighted the zero-emission standard for new buildings owned by public bodies from 1 January 2028 and for all new buildings from 1 January 2030. These are whole-building requirements involving energy demand, building systems and energy supply. Insulation contributes to that wider design; a panel or production line alone cannot establish building compliance.
CINEA / ManagEnergy: Zero-emission buildings: the new standard for Europe’s building sector
Performance evidence matters
The directive also introduces calculation and disclosure of life-cycle global warming potential in energy performance certificates: from 2028 for new buildings with a useful floor area above 1,000 square metres, and from 2030 for all new buildings. This concerns building-level assessment, rather than a single product label.
European Commission: Energy Performance of Buildings DirectiveEUR-Lex: Directive (EU) 2024/1275, consolidated 24 May 2026
Questions for your next investment review
As a practical response, ask customers which countries, building types and performance requirements their next projects target. Discuss the thermal and fire-performance evidence they need for the proposed panel construction, alongside any requested environmental data. Then agree how your product range, quality checks and records will support those requirements. These are planning recommendations, not additional obligations stated by the directive.
Check the local position
National rules, permit timing and permitted exemptions can affect a project. The directive allows specified exceptions, including for some industrial and agricultural buildings. Confirm applicability with the relevant local adviser before making a compliance claim. These policy milestones do not establish sandwich-panel market size, growth, future orders or a particular core material’s suitability. Use them alongside verified customer demand when preparing an investment case.