The "Revised Energy Performance in Buildings Directive", an important milestone within the scope of the European Green Deal, was approved on 12 April 2024.

Revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was adopted on 12 April 2024, marking another significant achievement under the European Green Deal.

This legislation establishes the framework for Member States to reduce emissions and energy consumption in various types of buildings throughout the EU, spanning from residences and workplaces to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other public structures. The revised Directive sets ambitious targets for decreasing overall energy consumption in EU buildings, while accommodating national specificities. It grants Member States the authority to select target buildings and implement appropriate measures, consequently stimulating demand for European-made clean technologies and fostering job creation, investment, and economic growth.

Each Member State will adopt its own national trajectory to reduce the average primary energy use of residential buildings, by 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035. For non-residential buildings, they will need to renovate the 16% worst-performing buildings by 2030 and the 26% worst-performing buildings by 2033. Member States will have the possibility to exempt certain categories of residential and non-residential buildings from these obligations, including historical buildings or holiday homes. Citizens will be supported in their efforts to improve their homes. The Directive requires the establishment of one-stop shops for advice on building renovation and provisions on public and private financing will make renovation more affordable and feasible.

Aligned with the REPowerEU Plan, the Directive will enhance Europe's energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. It mandates that all new residential and non-residential buildings meet 'zero-emissions' standards, with no on-site emissions from fossil fuels. This requirement applies from 1 January 2028, for publicly-owned buildings and 1 January 2030, for all other new buildings, with certain exemptions allowed. The updated Directive includes provisions for phasing out fossil fuels from heating systems and promoting the installation of solar power systems, taking into account national circumstances. Member States will also ensure that new buildings are 'solar ready', while subsidies for stand-alone fossil fuel-powered boilers will be prohibited starting 1 January 2025. Furthermore, the Directive promotes sustainable mobility through provisions for pre-cabling, electric vehicle recharging points, and bicycle parking spaces.

The directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will have two years in which to incorporate the provisions of the directive into their national legislation.

For more: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_1965