MEPs back new energy efficiency rules
The European Parliament has given its final approval to the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which aims for a low and zero-emission building stock by 2050.
The proposed changes tap into the huge potential for efficiency gains in the building sector, the largest single energy consumer in Europe. They include measures that will accelerate the rate of building renovation towards more energy efficient systems and strengthen the energy performance of new buildings, making them smarter.
Amongst a range of measures, the directive creates a path towards a low and zero-emission building stock in the EU by 2050 underpinned by national roadmaps to decarbonise buildings. it also encourages the use of information and communication technology and smart technologies to ensure buildings operate efficiently.
The EU is committed to cut CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030 and the building sector is the largest single energy consumer. It account for around 40% of final energy, and about 75% of buildings are said to be energy inefficient. Likewise, and depending on the Member State, only 0.4-1.2% of the stock is renovated each year. This opens a vast potential for energy efficiency gains in Europe.