Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): deal frames the roadmap to bring EU buildings to climate neutrality

Renew Europe welcomes today’s interinstitutional agreement on the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), a key driver within the framework of the Fit for 55 package to achieve a zero-emission building stock by 2050. Given the current geopolitical upheavals and the recent energy crisis, preventing energy waste from our buildings represents the most straightforward opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease demand for energy imports, and lower the costs for households and businesses.

Renew Europe MEP Morten Helveg Petersen (Radikale Venstre, Denmark), Vice-Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, and shadow rapporteur on the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), stated:

"Buildings are a key part of the green transition. Without further greening of buildings, we will not fulfil our climate objectives. I am happy we managed to conclude this difficult file and set down the tracks for the net zero building stock.”

The agreed text sets clear targets and timelines for Minimum Energy Performance Standards, as well as a review clause, with the Commission assessing whether further binding measures at Union level need to be introduced in order to achieve the values for 2030 and 2035. Furthermore, the agreement facilitates the deployment of solar energy installations, tackling administrative burdens and the implementation of building automation systems.