On Wednesday 15 December the European Parliament adopted by a large majority (526 votes in favour, 109 against and 62 abstentions) the draft own-initiative report by Seán Kelly MEP (EPP, Ireland) on the implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) (2018/844).
While the average annual rate of renovation of buildings in the EU is currently around 1% per year, the Parliament’s resolution stresses in particular that renovations will have to be carried out at a rate of 3% per year for major and staged upgrades in order for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
MEPs also call for adequate incentives and improved energy performance certificates (EPCs) in all Member States to provide clear and accurate information on energy performance and energy costs for potential buyers and tenants.
They also support the use of sustainable building materials by establishing a labelling system and the inclusion of more elements in Member States’ long-term renovation strategies, such as the benefits of renovations on health, safety, thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
The resolution was adopted on the same day as the European Commission’s proposal to revise the EPBD (see EUROPE 12854/13).
Calling the proposal a “good platform”, Mr Kelly particularly welcomed the provision to establish a “roadmap for Minimum Energy Performance Standards for all buildings to meet higher energy performance classes”.
“But I would like to see Parliament take a strong position to improve the text, if needed”, he also said.
See the resolution: https://bit.ly/3sbgqtZ (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)