The revision of the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) has “the potential to address the roots of energy poverty, to reduce [greenhouse gas] emissions and to deliver high-quality local jobs across the EU”, said the European Parliament’s rapporteur Ciarán Cuffe (Greens/EFA, Irish) on Tuesday 7 February, two days before the vote on the compromise agreed by the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and The Left groups in the Parliament’s Industry Committee.
Outlining the compromise (see EUROPE 13111/1), the Parliament’s rapporteur noted that 7% of the European population was unable to heat their homes adequately, a proportion that has increased further since the spike in energy prices caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
To tackle energy poverty, MEPs advocate focusing renovation campaigns on buildings considered to be energy ‘sinks’ (minimum E rating in 2027 and D rating in 2030 for public and private non-residential buildings, three years more for residential buildings).
“This is the first time that minimum mandatory standards will be introduced for buildings with the worst energy performance”, said Mr Cuffe. However, exceptions will be introduced for “historical or religious monuments, dwellings of less than 50 m2 and secondary residences”, he added.
According to him, Member States, who will have to develop national energy performance plans, will have “great flexibility” to set their own energy performance targets and the way these must be met. The European Commission will be responsible for assessing the ability of national plans to meet the targets.
In order to convince them to undertake renovation projects, property owners will be informed of their obligations through a one-stop shop at national level, as well as of the possibility to benefit from financial aid. Additional delays may also be authorised, provided that they are justified by a “lack of skilled labour”, Mr Cuffe said.
The rapporteur also pointed out that the compromise aims to boost the energy transition, with, for example, quantified targets for the installation of solar panels (by the end of 2028 for all new private homes). He predicted that gas heating will disappear in 15 to 20 years, as existing installations are replaced by cleaner systems.
The MEP also rejected the argument that the compromise between political groups in the European Parliament favours northern countries, as “four climate regions” have been identified within the EU with different targets and needs.
After the parliamentary committee vote, the Parliament plenary will vote in mid-March. Mr Cuffe hoped that the negotiations with the EU Council, which may prove difficult, could be concluded before the end of the Swedish Presidency. “Six or seven Member States, including Ireland, wanted the Parliament to adopt a more ambitious position” than the EU Council, he said. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)