The European Council has formally adopted the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This was the last step in the approval of the new legislation which will now soon be published in the EU Official Journal. Member states have two years to transpose the updated rules into national legislation.
Buildings are a key source of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and also one of the hardest to replace, given their long-term nature. According to the European Commission, buildings account for 40% of the energy consumed in the EU, and for 36% of energy-related GHG emissions. 80% of household energy consumption is used for heating, cooling, and hot water.
Key provisions in the updated directive include a requirement for all new buildings to have zero on-site emissions from fossil fuels by 2030, with publicly-owned buildings required to reach this milestone by 2028. The updated rules also requires member states to set out measures for the phase out of fossil fuels in heating and cooling of buildings, with a view to completely phase-out boilers powered by fossil fuels by 2040. By 2050, the directive aims the transformation of the EU’s building stock to zero emissions buildings.
The new rules are important for the well-being of many people that still live in uncomfortable, poorly insulated homes, which they cannot afford to heat. In 2022, about 9 percent of the EU population was unable to keep their homes adequately warm. Proper insulation reduces energy used for heating and cooling buildings, cuts CO2 emissions and lowers the energy bills.
This climate-friendly by design rules are also good news for manufacturers of related products such as insulation materials, smart temperature controls and solar panels.