The European Council has adopted the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), aiming for all new buildings in the EU to be zero-emission by 2030, as reported by ESG Today on April 12. Under the new rules, the use of fossil fuels will be phased out in building heating systems by 2040, and the EU’s building stock would achieve zero emissions by 2050. To meetthese targets, the new rules require member states to adopt national trajectories to reduce the average primary energy use of residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and 20% to 22% by 2035. Moreover, member states shouldcraft national building renovation plans to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2040. Additionally, the new rules mandate that all new buildings must be equipped to accommodate solar energy installations, such as rooftop photovoltaic devices.

The EPBD forms a pivotal 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 account for around 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 36% of all energy-related GHG emissions. The new directive aims to achieve zero-emissions of buildings by phasing out the use of fossil fuels and using renewable energy sources to meet all power demands of buildings. Under the new rules, member states will implement technical assistance and financial support measures to help facilitate the zero-emission renovation of buildings, with a focus on vulnerable households.

Sources:

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-adopts-law-requiring-all-new-buildings-to-be-zero-emissions-by-2030/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/04/12/towards-zero-emission-buildings-by-2050-council-adopts-rules-to-improve-energy-performance/

https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/nearly-zero-energy-buildings_en