New requirements for energy performance of buildings will set the pace for future building renovations

The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement regarding the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and, more specifically, regarding reducing the emissions and energy use of buildings across the European Union (EU). The strengthened EPBD is a key driver for decarbonising buildings across the whole Union.

“The targets set out in the revised EPBD are significant, and especially how the newly formed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) will be implemented on a national level is a key parameter for setting the pace for future building renovations,” says Ida Johansson, Director of Advisory Services at Caverion.

The EPBD revision includes the following measures (i.a.):

• Set national minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for non-residential buildings
• National measures to ensure that at least 55% of the decrease of the average primary energy use is achieved through the renovation of the worst-performing buildings
• The Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be improved to be based on common criteria
• Set-up of national building renovation passport schemes
• Zero-emission buildings the new standard for new buildings from 2028 (public buildings) and for all other new buildings from 2030. Buildings will also have to be fit for PV or solar thermal installations.
• Calculation of global warming potential for new buildings
• Strengthened requirements on the number of recharging point in buildings and pre-cabling as the norm for new and renovated buildings
• Gradual phase-out of boilers powered by fossil fuel
• Additionally, National Building Renovation Plans for decarbonising national building stock, and addressing issues such as financing and ensuring a skilled workforce

“In addition to the MEPS, there are some interesting additions to the earlier EPBDs which have the potential of ensuring additional energy savings measures are implemented, such as the incorporation of a renovation passport for buildings or ensuring each building has evaluated the GWP along its life cycle. Additionally, making certain that national building renovation plans consider and ensure that sufficient financial mechanisms and incentives are available for the renovation of buildings, will be key,” continues Johansson.

The provisional agreement is still pending formal adoption by the European Parliament and the council, after which the new legislation will be published in the Official Journal of the Union. 

We have the capability to ensure your building portfolio is in line with EPBD requirements, from evaluation of current asset status, designing of renovation measures, all the way to implementation of renovations and monitoring of life-time performance.

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Source:

• Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules to boost energy performance of buildings across the EU, press release 7/12/2023, the European Commission
• ‘Fit for 55’: Council and Parliament reach deal on proposal to revise energy performance of buildings directive, press release 7/12/2023 and General approach on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive document, the European Council
• Energy efficiency of buildings: MEPs strike deal with Council, press release 7/12/2023, the European Parliament