The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
With the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the European Union takes an important step towards higher energy efficiency in buildings. One of the features is the requirement that new public buildings from 2018 must consume ‘nearly zero energy’, a demand that applies for all new buildings from 2020.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. One of the requirements is that from 2020 new buildings must hardly consume any energy at all (‘nearly zero energy’).Activated in January 2006 and recast in November 2009, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires all 27 EU countries plus Norway and Switzerland to update their national Building Codes on a regular basis. The recast EPBD must be implemented by the EU countries plus Norway and Switzerland.
Member states must implement requirements in Buildings Codes based on energy consumption including air conditioning, heating equipment, hot water, ventilation, lighting, etc. It includes demands for both new and existing buildings.
New items in the recast EPBD
Some of the most important new items in the recast directive from November 2009 are:
- As of 31 December 2020 new buildings in the EU will have to consume 'nearly zero' energy and the energy will 'to a very large extent' come from renewable sources.
- The public authorities that own and occupy a new building should show the example in moving to such 'nearly zero energy buildings' as of 31 December 2018.
- There is no specific target for existing building, but Member States shall follow the leading example of the public sector, develop policies and take measures such as targets in order to stimulate the transformation of buildings that are refurbished into very low energy buildings, and inform the Commission thereof in their national plans.
- Removal of all 1000 m2 thresholds, so minimum energy requirements now cover almost all buildings in case of major renovations.
- Minimum requirements for building components (like walls, roofs, windows, etc) are introduced and apply every time these components are to be replaced.
- Stricter enforcement and compliance oversight.
Tightening by 25% to 30%
The EPBD still requires member states to ensure that an Energy Performance Certificate is issued when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out.The first new national Building Codes following the EPBD came into action in 2006. As a result, in many member states there has been a positive impact on the energy efficiency of new buildings. In the most proactive countries, it has led to a tightening of their energy performance demands by some 25% to 30% for new buildings.
For many member states, the requirement for updates every five years means that they will revise their Building Codes again in 2010 or 2011. In our inspiration catalogue you can read more about what different countries are doing to reduce energy consumption.
