The European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional agreement to strengthen the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), aiming to reduce emissions and energy consumption in EU buildings, as reported by ESG Today on December 8. The revised directive will require member states to set their national trajectories to reduce the average primary energy use of residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and 20% to 22% by 2035. Notably, at least 55% of the reduction must be achieved through the renovation of the least energy-efficient buildings. In addition, the revised directive will make zero-emission buildings the new standard for new buildings. As of 2030, all new residential and non-residential buildings must have zero on-site emissions from fossil fuels, while publicly owned buildings must meet this standard by 2028.

EPBD is a vital part of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ roadmap, a strategy aimed at a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels. Buildings are the single largest energy consumer in Europe, accounting for 42% of the bloc’s energy consumption in 2021. Currently, around 35% of EU buildings are over 50 years old and almost 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient. Renovating these buildings would not only save energy but benefit citizens by reducing energy bills. The renewed EPBD requires member states to provide financing measures to support the renovation of buildings, with a special focus on vulnerable communities and buildings with the worst energy performance.

Sources:

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-lawmakers-agree-on-rules-to-decarbonize-buildings/

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6423

https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_e