12/03/24 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 12 March in Strasbourg, the European Parliament approved by 370 votes to 199, with 46 abstentions, the provisional political agreement that brought negotiations with the Council on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (see EUROPE 13310/6) to a close last December. This text aims to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU by 2030, with a view to making buildings climate neutral by 2050. From 2030, all new buildings will have to be zero-emission, with this requirement brought forward to 2028 for those occupied or owned by the public sector. Specific primary energy consumption reduction targets are set for housing, while renovation quotas are imposed for the least efficient non-residential buildings. (NP)