EPBD (2021)
As part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission via its “Fit for 55 Package” started in 2021 the revision of those EU policies that are needed to deliver on the GHG reduction targets agreed in the European Climate Law, among which the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is included. As part of the current revision, the main elements that are being revised and/or taken into consideration in the current text of the Directive are:
- The possible introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) to spur both rate and depth of energy renovations across the EU
- The update of the Long-term Renovation Strategies requirements
- The update of “nearly-zero energy buildings” definition
- The update of the energy performance certificates (EPC) requirements and overall framework
- A new definition for “deep energy renovation”
- A more important role for digital solutions and a data-centric approach to assess the energy performance of buildings
- A possible extension of scope of the Directive (i.e., inclusion of whole-life cycle carbon assessment of buildings)
This position paper sets out the recommendations of EuroACE, which are built on its formal response to the Open Public Consultation on the Directive and are divided in three main groups:
- New provisions that should be introduced
- Elements that must be strengthened
- The scope of the Directive
The body of the paper describes the recommendations in more detail and the whole paper is supported by an Annexe that recalls the legislative context that the EPBD fits into and that explains why buildings (both new and existing) have a crucial role to play in achieving long-term climate and energy efficiency goals.
EuroACE Guide to 2018 EPBD Implementation
National Dialogue Events
EuroACE regularly organises National Dialogue Events in order to foster transposition and application of buildings-related EU Directives (EPBD and EED). The most recent events have taken place in Germany (January 2020), Slovenia (2019), France (2018), Spain (2017), Poland (November 2015), and Italy (February 2015). Click here for more information.
EPBD (2018)
The 2010 EPBD foresaw in its Article 19 that the Directive must be evaluated by 1st 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.