Based on the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings a new regulation framework has recently been implemented in Greece, aiming at the CO2 emissions reduction caused by the building sector. Given the fact that almost 71% of the Greek buildings were constructed before the implementation of the first Thermal Insulation Regulation (TIR), emphasis must be laid upon the existing building stock. Moreover, 83% of this stock consists of residential buildings, indicating the large potential in energy conservation. In order to plan and promote the respective energy renovation scenarios, a thorough analysis of the Greek building stock has to be carried out, especially regarding the urban built environment. In order to achieve this, a classification of the dominating multifamily building typology is being presented and characteristic examples are being studied. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.