In the quest for a greener future, Europe is spotlighting its buildings as a crucial battleground in the fight against climate change. Buildings account for the largest share of energy consumption across the continent and 85% of them predate 2000. Unfortunately, 75% of the buildings lag in energy performance. Addressing this inefficiency is pivotal in steering Europe towards a carbon-neutral and emission-free building stock by 2050. To catalyze this transformation, the European Union has set forth a robust legislative framework anchored by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive EU/2010/31 and the Energy Efficiency Directive EU/2023/1791. There is a proposed revision aimed to elevate the regulatory framework ,that will go through formal adoption in early 2024.
The revised directives focus on ramping up renovations, particularly targeting the most inefficient buildings in each country. They set forth an ambitious agenda, aiming for a 60% reduction in building sector emissions by 2030 and ultimately achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Moreover, they advocate for improved air quality, the digitalization of energy systems, and sustainable mobility infrastructure deployment.
Beyond the environmental agenda, these directives also prioritize consumer empowerment and financial support, ensuring that individuals and businesses can make informed energy-saving choices while receiving targeted financing for building renovations. Additionally, they aim to safeguard vulnerable consumers, mitigating energy poverty through measures like rent support and caps on rent increases.
Source: European Commission