Measures were adopted in the European Parliament aimed at increasing the rate of renovations of buildings in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy. In particular, the proposed revision of the Building Energy Performance Directive aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030 and to make the sector climate neutral by 2050. In addition, one objective is to increase the rate of renovation of non-energy-efficient buildings and to provide better information on the energy efficiency of buildings in general.
From 2028 onwards, all newly built buildings will have to have zero greenhouse gas emissions. For buildings used or owned by public authorities, this deadline shall apply from the year 2026. Under that decision, all new buildings should be equipped with solar energy collection technologies, if this is technically and economically feasible, by 2028. However, residential buildings undergoing large-scale renovations have until 2032 to adapt to the above requirements.
By 2030, residential buildings should at least reach category E on the A-C energy efficiency scale, while category D should be reached by 2033. For non-residential and public buildings, the relevant categories should be achieved by 2027 and 2030, respectively. Energy efficiency upgrades will be made through insulation work or improvements to the heating system when a building is sold or undergoes major renovation, or when a new lease contract is signed in the event of a rental. National renovation plans will specify the measures necessary to those objectives.
Renovation plans at national level should include mechanisms to facilitate access to grants and funding to help renovate buildings. Member States should also set up free information points and renovation programmes. In addition, they will need to provide funding that will reward the most profound changes, especially for buildings with the worst performance. Additionally, specific grants and subsidies should be provided to vulnerable households.
The new rules will not apply to monumental buildings. In addition, EU countries can exempt from the new rules buildings of special architectural or historical value, technical buildings, buildings used temporarily, churches and places of worship, and public social housing where renovations will increase the cost of rents. MEPs also propose that Member States be able to adjust the new targets according to the economic and technical feasibility of the renovations and the availability of skilled labour.
