On Monday, 22 February, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the revision of EU Directive 2010/31 on the energy performance of buildings (the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive or ‘EPBD’).
Scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021, the revision is part of the EU’s ‘Renovation Wave’ strategy, which aims to at least double the annual rate of energy-efficient renovation of European buildings (see EUROPE 12581/10 and 12579/11), thus contributing to the EU’s energy and climate goals.
The roadmap for the initiative, published that same day, indicates that the European Commission is considering three options: the status quo; establishing non-legislative instruments such as technical assistance, information campaigns, and funding for renovation projects; and amending the EPBD.
With regard to the last option, the European Commission believes that a phased introduction of mandatory minimum energy performance standards for different types of buildings (public and private, non-residential and residential) “will be a central part of the EPBD revision”.
It adds: “One option could be to start with stricter requirements for specific types of buildings, such as public buildings or office buildings, and to extend progressively the requirements to other buildings”.
According to the institution, another central element of the revision is the updating of the regulatory framework for energy performance certificates, with a view to increasing their quality and availability, for example through greater harmonisation, the inclusion of additional information and stricter provisions on the availability and accessibility of databases.
The roadmap states that other measures will be envisaged, notably the introduction of Building Renovation Passports.
Public consultation closes March 22.
To participate in the public consultation on the EPBD revision and to see the roadmap visit http://bit.ly/3slkaWG , for the gas rules revision visit http://bit.ly/3uszClJ. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)