Mapping seismic risk and presence of asbestos to unlock wider benefits of building renovation in Europe

The majority of buildings in the European Union (EU) were constructed when the requirements for earthquake resistance were below today’s standards. At the same time, several buildings that were constructed before the EU-wide ban of asbestos in 2005 may contain asbestos fibres, which poses a health risk and may be released during natural disasters, like earthquakes. Recognizing the need for improved energy efficiency and overall building quality, the EU has emphasized building renovation as a key to enhance resilience, structural safety and better indoor conditions. This study maps the estimated asbestos quantity and the seismic risk in the EU’s residential building stock. The regions showing significant seismic risk and asbestos in residential buildings are located in southern and central Europe, specifically in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany and Italy. These findings can guide policy makers, local authorities, community members and emergency responders prioritise regions that can benefit from renovation to ensure resilience to earthquakes and healthy indoor environment. Furthermore, these findings can provide insights to improve emergency response and post-disaster remediation guidelines. By understanding the specific risks associated with asbestos and seismic events, authorities can develop more effective measures to protect the population and mitigate the potential health hazards.

TSIONIS Georgios;  KAKOULAKI Georgia;  MADUTA Carmen;  BAVETTA Maurizio;  ZANGHERI Paolo; 

2025-03-27

International Association for Earthquake Engineering

JRC135561

3006-5933 (online),