Ahead of the continuation on Thursday 31 August of the interinstitutional negotiations on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (see EUROPE 13195/10), HOTREC, the coalition of 47 European associations representing hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés, has issued an opinion on the impact of this Directive on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Welcoming the European Commission’s initiative (see EUROPE 12854/13), HOTREC nevertheless stresses that SMEs will need sustained support to succeed during the necessary transformations.
With good reason, the communication points out that SMEs in the EU’s hotel and catering sector are currently facing multiple challenges linked in particular to a certain “geopolitical instability”, such as “unprecedented labour shortages” and “rising energy and food costs”. However, as the opinion states, in this context, the ongoing digital and ecological transition requires “substantial investment and a skilled workforce” for successful implementation.
HOTREC is therefore calling for a “balanced approach” in the revision of the Directive, asking for extended deadlines and a more realistic proposal for the deadline for achieving zero emissions for new buildings, supporting the Council’s proposal to set it for 1 January 2030. Regarding minimum efficiency performance standard for non-residential buildings, a progressive approach based on primary energy consumption is recommended.
The associations also insist that buildings should be exempt from renovation if the costs outweigh the benefits. Charging stations, which are deemed economically unviable, should not be compulsory, in line with Parliament’s position. Flexibility is also encouraged in promoting bicycle parking spaces and solar energy solutions.
HOTREC is therefore urging co-legislators to develop a “rational approach” that combines environmental sustainability with support for businesses, particularly SMEs.
Read the press release: https://aeur.eu/f/8dq (Original version in English by Nithya Paquiry)