Brussels, 25/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Spain on Thursday 25 February, asking it to comply fully with all the requirements of Directive 2010/31/EC on the energy performance of buildings.
Under this legislation, the EU member states must establish and apply minimum requirements for the energy performance of new and existing buildings, ensure the certification of buildings' energy performance, and require the regular inspection of heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, member states must ensure that all new buildings are nearly zero-energy from 1 January 2021 (2019 for public buildings).
The Commission says that a detailed examination of the legislative text transposed in Spain has shown up some shortcomings in the definition of standards applicable to nearly zero-energy buildings. It also points out that the Spanish legislation provides for exemptions from the requirements of the directive that go beyond what was foreseen by the directive.
Spain has two months to notify the Commission of the measures taken to remedy this situation or it may be taken to the Court of Justice of the EU. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)