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New buildings to be zero-emission from 2030
On Tuesday, MEPs endorsed a strategy, previously concurred with the Council, designed to diminish energy use and cut greenhouse-gas emissions within the buildings sector. Right-wing parties (ID and ECR Groups) and many Members from EPP voted against.
The EU strategy to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is set to incrementally lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption across the EU's building sector, steering it towards climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally, it focuses on the renovation of the most energy-inefficient buildings and enhancing the exchange of information regarding energy performance.
France, Italy, and Spain, however, obtain exemptions or flexibility for agriculture and historic buildings, whose structures and construction techniques do not allow for easy and economically sustainable energy renovations.
France, Italy, and Spain, however, obtain exemptions or flexibility for agriculture and historic buildings, whose structures and construction techniques do not allow for easy and economically sustainable energy renovations.
By eEuropa Team
Brussels, 13 March 2024 - 4 MINUTES READ
Brussels, 13 March 2024 - 4 MINUTES READ
European Parliament adopted its proposal for a new Directive by a large majority. This proposal amends the Commission's proposal.
European Union has set forth ambitious targets aimed at transforming the buildings sector into a zero-emission frontier by 2030.
The new EU initiative mandates that all new buildings achieve zero-emission status by 2030, while buildings occupied or owned by public authorities are to meet this standard by 2028. The criteria for assessing emissions encompass the life-cycle global warming potential of a building, considering every phase from the production to the disposal of construction materials.
For residential structures, the EU mandates a significant reduction in the average primary energy usage—by at least 16% by 2030 and further to 20-22% by 2035. This directive also stipulates the renovation of the 16% most energy-inefficient non-residential buildings by 2030, extending to the bottom 26% by 2033, through the establishment of minimum energy performance requirements.
A progressive approach towards sustainability, the directive encourages the deployment of solar installations across public, non-residential, and new residential buildings by 2030, contingent upon technical and economic viability.
European Union has set forth ambitious targets aimed at transforming the buildings sector into a zero-emission frontier by 2030.
The new EU initiative mandates that all new buildings achieve zero-emission status by 2030, while buildings occupied or owned by public authorities are to meet this standard by 2028. The criteria for assessing emissions encompass the life-cycle global warming potential of a building, considering every phase from the production to the disposal of construction materials.
For residential structures, the EU mandates a significant reduction in the average primary energy usage—by at least 16% by 2030 and further to 20-22% by 2035. This directive also stipulates the renovation of the 16% most energy-inefficient non-residential buildings by 2030, extending to the bottom 26% by 2033, through the establishment of minimum energy performance requirements.
A progressive approach towards sustainability, the directive encourages the deployment of solar installations across public, non-residential, and new residential buildings by 2030, contingent upon technical and economic viability.
Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Boilers
A key aspect of the directive is the gradual elimination of fossil fuel boilers. By 2040, member states are expected to have decarbonized heating and cooling systems, with an outright prohibition on subsidizing stand-alone fossil fuel boilers starting in 2025. However, the legislation allows for financial incentives for hybrid heating systems that significantly incorporate renewable energy sources, blending traditional boilers with solar thermal installations or heat pumps.
Exemptions and Flexibilities
Understanding the unique circumstances of certain buildings, the directive provides exemptions for agricultural and heritage buildings. Member states have the discretion to exclude buildings of special architectural or historical value, temporary structures, and places of worship from these new regulations.
A Directive for the People
Rapporteur for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, MEP Ciarán Cuffe, emphasized the directive's potential to address energy poverty and lower energy bills. Cuffe highlighted, "This law will help bring down energy bills and addresses the root causes of energy poverty, while delivering thousands of high-quality, local jobs across the EU." This initiative is not just about reducing emissions; it's about creating a fairer, more sustainable future for all Europeans, aligning perfectly with the European Green Deal's vision.
Next Steps and Background
Adopted by a significant majority but not unanimity, the directive now awaits formal endorsement by the Council of Ministers to become law. This step marks a significant milestone in the EU's commitment to sustainability, as buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions within the Union.
Aligned with the Conference on the Future of Europe, this legislative action underscores the EU's dedication to energy independence and sustainability. Through enhancing municipal roles in urban planning and reducing dependency on oil and gas imports, the directive is a testament to the EU's holistic approach to tackling climate change and fostering energy efficiency.
As the EU marches towards its 2030 and 2050 climate goals, enshrined in the new European Climate Law, the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive stands as a cornerstone in its ambitious environmental strategy, paving the way for a greener, more resilient Europe.
Learn more about the EU's strategy for reducing building energy consumption.
© Copyright eEuropa Belgium 2020-2024
Source: © European Union, 1995-2024
Go to eEuropa Platform
As the EU marches towards its 2030 and 2050 climate goals, enshrined in the new European Climate Law, the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive stands as a cornerstone in its ambitious environmental strategy, paving the way for a greener, more resilient Europe.
Learn more about the EU's strategy for reducing building energy consumption.
© Copyright eEuropa Belgium 2020-2024
Source: © European Union, 1995-2024
Go to eEuropa Platform
