EPBD aims for climate neutral buildings by 2050

EUROPE: Industry groups have applauded the European parliament’s approval today of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Europe has adopted measures to increase the rate of renovations and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030, and make it climate neutral by 2050.

All new buildings would be zero-emission from 2028, with the deadline for new buildings occupied, operated or owned by public authorities in 2026. All new buildings should be equipped with solar technologies by 2028, where technically suitable and economically feasible, while residential buildings undergoing major renovation have until 2032.

Residential buildings would have to achieve, at a minimum, energy performance class E by 2030, and D by 2033 – on a scale going from A to G, the latter corresponding to the 15% worst-performing buildings in the national stock of a member state. Non-residential and public buildings would have to achieve the same ratings by 2027 and 2030 respectively. 

“We are a strong supporter of EPBD, as it will make progress toward decarbonising buildings, supports minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), and defines indoor air quality parameters,” said  EPEE director general Russell Patten. “This will go a long way to achieving Europe’s climate and energy independence goals,” he added.

“Today is a huge step towards decarbonising buildings”, commented Jozefien Vanbecelaere, head of EU affairs at the European Heat Pump Association.

The law voted on today now moves into the trilogues stage, where negotiations take place between the EU council, parliament and commission in order to reach a final agreed text.