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The New EU Energy-Performance of Buildings is Adopted
Last 12 April, the Council formally adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings. The directive will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty in the EU.
New buildings with zero-emission by 2030, while buildings occupied or owned by public authorities are to meet this standard by 2028. By 2050 the EU’s building stock. phasing out fossil fuel boilers by 2040. France, Italy, and Spain 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, 15 April 2024 - 4 MINUTES READ
Brussels, 15 April 2024 - 4 MINUTES READ
European Union has set forth ambitious targets aimed at transforming the buildings sector into a zero-emission frontier by 2030.
On 12 April 2024, the Council formally adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings, already adopted by the European parliament.
The new EU Directive asks 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.
On 12 April 2024, the Council formally adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings, already adopted by the European parliament.
The new EU Directive asks 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.
Emissions
Currently, buildings account for over one third of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Under the new rules, by 2030 all new buildings should be zero-emission buildings, and by 2050 the EU’s building stock should be transformed into zero-emission building stock.
2. Energy performance
For non-residential buildings, the revised directive introduces minimum energy performance standards ensuring that such buildings do not exceed the specified maximum amount of primary or final energy that they can use per m2 annually. According to the new rules, in 2030 all non-residential buildings will be above the 16% worst performing buildings and by 2033 above the 26% worst performing buildings in terms of energy performance. This will lead to a gradual phase-out of the worst performing non-residential buildings. Member states can choose to exempt specific buildings from the rules, such as historical buildings, places of worship or buildings owned by the armed forces.
3. Energy use of residential buildings
Member states will also make sure that the average primary energy use of residential buildings will be reduced by 16% in 2030 and by 20-22% in 2035. At least 55% of the energy reduction will be achieved through renovation of the 43% worst performing residential buildings.
In their renovation efforts, member states will put in place technical assistance and financial support measures, with a focus on vulnerable households.
In their renovation efforts, member states will put in place technical assistance and financial support measures, with a focus on vulnerable households.
4. Use of fossil fuels in buildings
In order to decarbonise the building sector, national building renovation plans will include a roadmap with a view to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2040.
5. Solar energy and sustainablemobility
The new rules will ensure the deployment of suitable solar energy installations in new buildings, public buildings and existing non-residential ones under renovation that requires a permit.
They will also provide 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.
Learn more about the EU's strategy for reducing building energy consumption.
© Copyright eEuropa Belgium 2020-2024
Source: © European Union, 1995-2024
Go to EU Energy Policy Platform
They will also provide 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.
Learn more about the EU's strategy for reducing building energy consumption.
© Copyright eEuropa Belgium 2020-2024
Source: © European Union, 1995-2024
Go to EU Energy Policy Platform
