Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is an EU directive that aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings within the European Union. The directive sets out minimum energy performance standards for buildings, as well as requirements for the energy performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and building automation.
Revamping Europe’s building stock is not only expected to reduce energy bills and help tackle climate change, but it is also widely supported by the construction sector, which sees a business opportunity in the renovation.
When the European Commission tabled its revamped Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in December 2021, its main objective was to decrease the EU’s energy consumption and reach the bloc’s climate goals.
But the benefits of energy efficiency renovation go beyond climate. It is also a shoo-in for the construction industry, which sees an opportunity to fill its order books.
According to Morten Helveg Petersen, MEP and Renew Europe’s coordinator on the Industry, Research, and Energy Committee, “We need to stop sponsoring Putin’s war in Ukraine, and energy savings are the most efficient way to avoid buying Russian gas. Energy efficiency in buildings has never seen this much ambition before, but the time is up for ambitions just now. The poor energy performance in European buildings threatens household economies, supports the war on Europe, and is a major contributor to climate change. Our major challenges can only be solved if we stick with high ambitions.”
On the other hand, The Renew Europe Group stated that it welcomes today’s plenary backing of the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), a key driver within the framework of the Fit for 55 packages to achieve a zero-emission building stock by 2050. With energy prices skyrocketing in Europe, preventing energy waste from our buildings represents the most straightforward opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease demand for energy imports, and lower the costs for households and businesses.
Renew Europe called for more ambitious minimum energy performance standards, tighter timetables, but also flexibility offered to residential buildings, placing a renovation era as the core strategy towards more sustainable buildings that will bring down energy bills and bolster the EU’s circular economy.
Among other important measures of the endorsed text, fossil fuel-based heating systems and financial incentives for installation will be restricted and eventually phased out. Furthermore, sustainable mobility infrastructure standards are reinforced by introducing a proportionate number of charging points, as well as pre-cabling for parking space and bicycle spaces taking into account the total user capacity.
Renew Europe also stressed the importance of tackling administrative obstacles for the rapid decarbonization of the EU building stock by application of the latest technologies and digital solutions, as well as district heating/cooling from renewable sources and further strengthening and promotion of energy communities.
