Brussels, 16/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 15 April, the Council adopted its position at first reading on the draft directive on the energy performance of buildings, which seeks to clarify, strengthen and extend the scope of the current directive, 2002/91/EC, and to reduce the considerable differences in member states' practices in this sector. Its provisions address various regulatory and information-based instruments and cover energy needs for space and hot water heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting for new and existing, residential and non-residential buildings. It prescribes that, from 1 January 2021, all new buildings must be “zero energy” buildings, that is, they produce at least as much energy as they consume. Member states should set intermediate targets for 2015. The public sector is called on to show the example by owning and occupying only buildings which meet the zero energy standard, with effect from 1 January 2019. In November 2008, the European Commission brought forward its revised draft directive on the energy performance of buildings as part of its energy security package (see EUROPE 9782). The European Parliament adopted its first reading position in April 2009 (see EUROPE 9889) before reaching trialogue agreement with the Council and Commission in November 2009 (see EUROPE 10022). However, the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 January has meant amendments, in particular the adaptation of the legal basis and the comitology provisions, have been made necessary. (E.H./transl.rt)