On 15 December, the European Commission published its proposal for a revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as the last part of the “Fit for 55” package. If ambitiously implemented, the new and revised elements will allow the renovation wave strategy to become a reality.
A central element of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is the introduction of new standards for energy efficient buildings. This could make the EPBD a central element of the “Fit for 55” package if coupled with a strong technical assistance and financing component. It is proposed that by 2030 at the latest (or 2033, depending on the building’s intended use), all buildings in the EU should have improved energy performance.
The European Commission’s introduction of minimum energy performance standards targets the worst performing buildings in 15% of Europe, which would be rated ‘G’ on the EU energy performance scale, whether residential or not.
By 1 January 2027, all commercial or public buildings should be rated at least ‘F’ on the EU energy performance scale by 1 January 2027 and ‘E’ by 1 January 2030.
Residential buildings – detached houses or apartments – would be given more time, and would have to be classed as ‘F’ by 1 January 2030 and ‘E’ by 1 January 2033.
New standards for energy efficient buildings – minimum energy performance standards – are introduced in a new Article 9.
Article 3 of the proposal contains the national action plans for the renovation of buildings, which are in fact the revised long-term renovation strategies. Member States will have to prepare timetables for building renovation measures with milestones for 2030, 2040 and 2050.
The proposal also defines the concept of deep renovation and introduces the concept of a ‘zero emission building’, which will replace the near-zero energy requirement from 2030 (2027 for public buildings).
More details on the Directive can be found here:
