Efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use (Horizon Europe)

The Destination 4 targets the energy demand side, notably a more efficient use of energy in buildings and industry. It contributes to the activities of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and its implementation working groups.

This Destination contributes directly to the Strategic Plan’s Key Strategic Orientations ‘Green transition’, ‘Digital transition’ and ‘A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe’.

In line with the Strategic Plan, the overall expected impact of this Destination is to contribute to the ‘Using energy in buildings and industry in an efficient, affordable and sustainable way’.

The main impacts to be generated by topics under this Destination are:

Highly energy-efficient and climate neutral European building stock

1. The life-cycle energy performance and resource efficiency of the European building stock is improved at an accelerated pace and contributes to the EU's energy security.
2. The renovation and construction are cost-efficient, affordable and less disruptive, have reduced climate and environmental impact through circularity, and use of low-carbon materials.
3. The buildings in Europe are increasingly interacting with the users, energy system and their environment contributing to an integrated, resilient, secure and flexible operation.
4. The buildings and built environment in Europe mitigate climate change and are more resilient.
5. The built environment is inclusive and delivers a better quality of life for all users.

Industry

The energy efficiency of EU energy intensive industries is improved, their consumption of fossil fuel and their GHG and other pollutants emissions are drastically reduced, while preserving / enhancing their global competitiveness

Call Topics with the submission deadline 17 Feb 2026

• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-01: On-site innovative robotic and automated solutions and techniques for more sustainable and less disruptive building renovation and construction
• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-02: Smarter buildings as part of the energy system for increased efficiency and flexibility – Societal Readiness Pilot
• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-03: Innovative pathways for low carbon and climate resilient building stock and built environment (Built4People Partnership)
• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-04: Innovative approaches for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts
• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-05: Optimal combination of low embodied carbon construction products, technical building systems and circularity principles for climate neutral buildings (Built4People Partnership)
• HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-06: Phase out fossil fuel in energy intensive industries through the efficient integration of renewable energy sources

Full text from the work programme "Climate, Energy and Mobility" (2025) can be found here.