Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

NEW! EuroACE Guide to EPBD Implementation

National Implementation Workshops
EuroACE organises, twice a year, national implementation workshops in order to foster transposition and application of buildings-related EU Directives (EPBD and EED). The most recent events have taken place in France (March 2018), Spain (June 2017), Poland (November 2015), Italy (February 2015), Hungary (May 2014), Spain (July 2013), and Ireland (October 2012). Click here for more information.

EPBD (2018)

The 2010 EPBD foresaw in its Article 19 that the Directive must be evaluated by 1^st January 2017 at the latest. In this framework, and in view of the 2030 targets, the EPBD has been amended. On 19th June 2018, the amending Directive 2018/844 was published, with a transposition deadline in March 2020. Main points are:

The move of the national long-term renovation strategies from Article 4 of the Energy Efficiency Directive to the Article 2A of the EPBD, with this provision being considerably strengthened;
The option for Member States to develop the use of Building Renovation Passports (BRP) and the requirement for the European Commission to undertake, before 2020, a feasibility study on the possibilities and timeline for the introduction of BRPs as an option
Better access to financing as well as links between financial measures and improved performance after renovation works
Introduction of a Smart Readiness Indicator
Changes to the provisions related to inspections of heating, cooling and ventilation systems, as well as provisions related to Technical Building Systems (mandatory individual room temperature room control, mandatory installation of Building Automation & Control systems by 2025 in large non-residential buildings…)
Revision of Annex I on the methodology to describe the energy performance of buildings (increased transparency, and incentive to use EU standards)

2017 Position Paper

2016 Workshops - Summary Booklet

2015 Position Paper

EPBD Consultation Questionnaire

EPBD (2010)

In 2010, the EPBD Recast (Directive 2010/31/EU) entered into force with a transposition deadline of July 2012. The updated text clarified, strengthened and extended the scope of the 2002 directive. Key changes included:

Development of a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements;
Extension to all buildings of requirement to set minimum energy performance levels when a major renovation takes place;
All new buildings to be nearly zero energy level by December 2020 (December 2018 for public authority buildings);
Requirement for Member States to list financial incentives in place to enable the transition towards nearly zero energy levels in buildings;
Mandatory energy certification for all properties constructed, sold or rented out;
Enhanced heating and cooling system inspections and reporting requirements;
Requirement for Member States to establish penalties for non-compliance.

Background Information – EPBD (2002)

The EPBD (Directive 2002/91/EC) has been the main European legislative instrument for improving the energy efficiency of Europe’s building stock. Under the Directive, the following obligations were introduced in all Member States:

A methodology to calculate and rate the integrated energy performance of buildings;
A system of energy certification for new and existing buildings, with display requirements for public buildings;
Regular inspections of heating and air-conditioning systems;
Minimum energy performance standards for new buildings and for existing buildings that undergo major renovation with a useful floor area over 1 000 m².