Content updated 10 May 2023

Directive of Energy Performance of Buildings

The Europaen Parliament adopted a proposed revised Directive of Energy Performance of Buildings in March 2023. The Parliament will now into negotiate with Council to agree on the final shape of the proposal. View the press release here.

The amended directive would require the European Commission to report progress on the improvement of energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings by December 2027, and every following two years.

Emissions-reduction targets

  • All new buildings should be zero-emission from 2028. The deadline for new buildings occupied, operated or owned by public authorities is 2026.
  • All new buildings should be be zero-emission and equipped with solar technologies by 2028, where technically suitable and economically feasible. The deadline for residential buildings undergoing major renovation is 2032.
  • New buildings occupied, operated or owned by public authorities shouls be zero-emission by 2026.

Energy classes

  • 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 D would correspond to the 15% worst-performing buildings in the national stock of a member state.
  • The same ratings apply for non-residential and public buildings by 2027 and 2030 respectively.
  • Member states will establish the measures needed to achieve these targets in their national renovation plans.

Worst performing buildings, energy poverty

The proposed measures intend to increase the rate of renovation, particularly for the worst-performing buildings in each Member State, and to modernise the building stock to make it more resilient and accessible.

National plans should include support schemes to facilitate access to grants and funding.

Member states need to put in place free-of-charge information points and cost-neutral renovation schemes. Financial measures should provide an important premium for deep renovations, especially of the worst-performing buildings.Targeted grants and subsidies should be made available to vulnerable households.

Derogations

Monuments would be excluded from the new rules. EU countries may decide to also exclude buildings protected for their special architectural or historical merit. This applies also to buildings used temporarily, churches and places of worship.

Member states may also exempt public social housing, where renovations would lead to rent increases that cannot be compensated by savings on energy bills.