The Role of Quality Management Services (QMSs) in Aligning the Construction Sector to the European Taxonomy: The Experience of the QUEST Project

Abstract

The European Green Deal defines a series of strategies to address climate and environmental problems through a sustainable economy. To achieve the goals set by this ambitious plan significant investments are required, not only in the public sector but also in the private sector. These investments, often characterized by the application of innovative technologies developed on a large scale, are subject to technical risks that may increase the possibility of errors in the predictions of the energy performance of buildings. In this context, the Horizon 2020 project QUEST (Quality Management Investments for Energy Efficiency) aims to identify the potential of investments in sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, proposing to reduce the risk attributed by investors to this type of intervention. The QUEST project aims to assess the impacts of innovative Quality Management Services (QMSs) in reducing the technical and financial risks affecting the return on investment for energy-efficient buildings and in aligning the construction industry with the requirements of the European Taxonomy. The research activities of the QUEST project are leading to the definition of a predictive tool to assess the risks associated with building and energy investments, integrating effective QMSs, such as technical monitoring, sustainability protocols, and commissioning certificates. This work focuses on the role of QMS within the construction industry to align it with the EU Taxonomy by proposing a review. In addition, the experience of the QUEST project is recounted, presenting the basis and purpose of the predictive tool that is being developed.