Commission welcomes agreement on energy performance of buildings

A political agreement on new rules for improving the energy performance of buildings was reached between negotiators from the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The Commission’s proposal forms part of the implementation of the Juncker Commission priorities – in particular, “a resilient Energy Union and a forward-looking climate change policy”.

The agreement signals the closure of the first of 8 legislative proposals part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package brought forward by the European Commission on 30 November 2016. It also shows that the work towards the completion of the Energy Union is on the way and that the work initiated by the Juncker Commission is being delivered.

The improvements agreed include measures to strengthen the energy performance of new buildings, to accelerate the rate of building renovation towards more energy efficient systems and tapping into the huge potential for efficiency gains in the building sector, the largest single energy consumer in Europe.

Vice-President responsible for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said: “The fight against climate change starts ‘at home’, given that over a third of EU’s emissions is produced by buildings. By renovating and making them smart, we are catching several birds with one stone – the energy bills, people’s health, and the environment. And as technology has blurred the distinction between sectors, we are also establishing a link between buildings and e-mobility infrastructure, and helping stabilize the electricity grid. Let’s stay on high gear.”

Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete added: “As the first agreement on a proposal of the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package, this is a step in the right direction. But I would have preferred to see a more ambitious commitment to e-vehicles charging points for non-residential buildings. This would have been more consistent with our commitments under the Paris Agreement and the European clean mobility strategy. But the new buildings directive will help create local jobs, save consumers money and improve our quality of life. I now call on the European Parliament and the Council to show ambition and complete the rest of the proposals of the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package.”

Main achievements:

• Creates a clear path towards a low and zero emission building stock in the EU by 2050 underpinned by national roadmaps to decarbonise buildings.
• Encourages the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and smart technologies to ensure buildings operate efficiently for example by introducing automation and control systems.
• Supports the roll-out of the infrastructure for e-mobility in all buildings (although to a lesser extent than in the Commission’s proposal).
• Introduces a “smartness indicator” which will measure the buildings’ capacity to use new technologies and electronic systems to optimise its operation and interact with the grid.
• Integrates long-term building renovation strategies.
• Mobilises public and private financing and investment.
• Helps to combat energy poverty and reducing the household energy bill by renovating older buildings.

Next steps

Following this political agreement, the text of the Directive will have to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council. Once endorsed by both co-legislators in the coming months, the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member States will have to transpose the new elements of the Directive into national law after 18 months.

Original source: EC
Published on 19 December 2017