The European commission appears to be backing away from the idea of proposing first-ever EU-wide energy efficiency standards for buildings in proposals due later this year to revise the 2002 energy performance of buildings directive.

In a new consultation paper circulated on Monday as part of the exercise the commission says setting EU-level requirements energy requirements would be "very complex and challenging". This language signals a shift to a more cautious stance on the idea.

The current directive requires governments to set their own national efficiency standards, but does not set an EU floor for these. Senior commission officials previously suggested binding EU performance requirements could drive energy efficiency improvements in the worst-performing member states.

But in its consultation paper the commission appears to have reined in its ambitions for the law: it merely floats the idea of establishing a "benchmarking system" to allow comparison of the different performance requirements established by each EU country.

The commission hints at the possibility of relaxing or scrapping a threshold of 1000 square meters above which all existing buildings undergoing major renovations must meet minimum efficiency requirements. The consultation document also suggests that provisions on energy performance certificates for buildings and inspections of boilers and air conditioning systems may also be strengthened.

The commission is planning to propose legislative changes to the existing directive later this year. Implementation of the current rules has been beset with problems. The commission has opened infringement proceedings against 17 member states for late or incomplete transposition.

Energy use in the buildings sector is responsible for around 40 per cent of the EU's final energy consumption. The commission estimates that the sector's energy use could be cut by 28 per cent by 2020 in a cost-effective way. This equates to an 11 per cent cut in the bloc's total energy consumption. The public consultation is open until 20 June.

Follow-up: European commission, tel: +32 2 299 1111, plus consultation page and background document.