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EU’s new buildings law aims to renovate 15% least efficient homes
(EurActiv, 15 Dec 2021) The European Commission has proposed the introduction of minimum energy performance standards for the 15% worst performing buildings in Europe, which would be rated “G” on the EU’s energy performance scale, whether they are residential or not.
The proposal is contained in the the EU’s revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which the Commission presented on Wednesday (15 December) as part of a wider package of legislation aimed at halving the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“Its focus on the worst performing buildings prioritises the most cost-effective renovations and helps fight energy poverty,” said EU climate chief Frans Timmermans, who presented the proposal.
By 1 January 2027, all commercial or public buildings would need to reach at least class “F” on the EU’s energy efficiency scale, and then class “E” by 1 January 2030.
Residential buildings – individual houses or apartments – would be given more time, with a requirement to reach class “F” by 1 January 2030 and class “E” by 1 January 2033.
These ratings would be based on a harmonised European scale, with the worst performing “G” class corresponding to the 15% least efficient buildings and the “A” class corresponding to zero emission buildings.
It won’t be a rigid system though, as every EU country will define its own energy performance scale based on common EU-wide parameters. “On that basis, each member state will define what are its own 15% worst performing buildings,” a senior EU official explained.
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EurActiv, 15 Dec 2021: EU’s new buildings law aims to renovate 15% least efficient homes
