Energy performance of buildings directive

Grimaldi Alliance

Knowledge Management

May 31 2024

As of May 28, 2024, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive came into force. New rules tackle both climate change and energy affordability, aiming for a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy use within the EU’s building sector. By 2030, all new buildings will need to be zero-emission and by 2050, the entire EU building stock should reach climate neutrality.

The revised Directive:

  • Sets benchmarks for building efficiency, by introducing minimum energy performance standards and establishing clear expectations for how much energy can be consumed by buildings. For non-residential buildings, this translates to a specific maximum annual energy use per square meter. A great focus is placed on improving the energy efficiency of the worst-performing buildings, likely through renovations and upgrades. Under the new Directive, Member states will have to renovate 16% of the worst-performing non-residential buildings by 2030 and 26% by 2033. Residential buildings, on the other hand, will see a focus on achieving an overall reduction in average energy use. EU Member states are asked with ensuring a 16% decrease by 2030 and a further 20-22% reduction by 2035.
  • Pushes for phasing-out fossil fuels from heating in buildings, to achieve full decarbonisation of the sector. All new residential and non-residential buildings must have zero on-site emissions from fossil fuels as of: (i) 1st January 2028 for publicly owned buildings and (ii) as of 1st January 2030 for all other new buildings, with a possibility for specific exemptions. By 2040, national building renovation plans will include a roadmap with a view to phase out fossil fuel boilers. Member states have to outline how they will adopt measures to decarbonise heating systems, while subsidising stand-alone fossil fuel boilers will be prohibited as of 2025.
  • Promotes sustainability, by supporting the enhancement and use of solar energy in buildings. All new buildings must comply with “solar ready” criteria, which means that they must be suitable for the deployment of solar energy installations (photovoltaic, solar thermal installations etc.) in new buildings, public buildings and existing non-residential ones, under renovation that requires a permit. New rules also encourage sustainable mobility infrastructure, including recharging points for electric cars in or next to buildings, pre-cabling or ducting for future charging infrastructure and parking spaces for bicycles.
  • Foresees general exemptions for agricultural buildings and heritage buildings. Moreover, Member states may decide to also exclude buildings protected for their special architectural or historical merit, temporary buildings, churches, and places of worship.

Articles 30, 31, 33 and 34 of the revised Directive will apply as from 30th May 2026. Member states will have two years to incorporate new rules into their national legislation, while the European Commission will review the Directive by 2028, in the light of the experience gained and progress made during its implementation.

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