On April 12, the European Council adopted a revised directive aimed at drastically improving the energy performance of buildings and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty in the European Union (EU).
Buildings in the EU currently contribute over one-third of the Bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions. The new law now mandates that all new buildings be zero-emission buildings by 2030 and that the EU’s building stock be transformed into zero-emission building stock by 2050.
Non-residential buildings
The new rules introduce minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings, ensuring, as the EU explains, that “such buildings do not exceed the specified maximum amount of primary or final energy that they can use per square meter annually.”
By 2030, all non-residential buildings must surpass the energy performance of the 16% worst-performing buildings, with further improvements — surpassing the 26% worst-performing buildings” — targeted by 2033. T
This phased approach will gradually phase out the least efficient buildings, the EU notes, adding that member states have the option to exempt certain buildings from the rules — “such as historical buildings, places of worship or buildings owned by the armed forces.”
Progressive renovation and fossil fuel phaseout
According to the new law, member states will have to reduce the average primary energy consumption of residential buildings by 16% in 2030 and 20-22% by 2035. Thi
This reduction, at least 55% of it, is meant to be achieved through the renovation of the 43% least energy-efficient residential buildings. To support this endeavor, technical assistance and financial aid will be provided by member states, prioritizing vulnerable households to ensure no one is left behind in the transition to sustainability.
In alignment with the goal of decarbonizing the building sector, national renovation plans will outline a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuel boilers by 2040, the EU adds.
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Solar energy, electric car recharging points and bicycle parking spaces
The new directive also mandates the “deployment of suitable solar energy installations in new buildings, public buildings and existing non-residential ones under renovation that requires a permit.”
Meanwhile, provisions for sustainable mobility infrastructure, “including recharging points for electric cars in or next to buildings, pre-cabling or ducting to accommodate future infrastructure and parking spaces for bicycles,” underscore the EU’s dedication to fostering sustainable mobility.
What next?
Now that it has been formally adopted, the directive will be signed and published in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will then have two years to incorporate its provisions into their national legislation.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
