Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

On 15 December 2021, the European Commission proposed a major revision (recast) of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as part of the 'fit for 55' package. The proposal aimed to accelerate building renovation rates, reduce GHG emissions and energy consumption, and promote the uptake of renewable energy in buildings. In the Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), which appointed Ciarán Cuffe (Greens/EFA, Ireland) as its rapporteur. The Parliament adopted its position, based on the ITRE committee's report, at its plenary session on 14 March 2023. The Council had agreed on its general approach (negotiating position) on 25 October 2022. Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on 7 December 2023. The final act was signed on 24 April and published in the Official Journal of the EU on 8 May 2024. It entered into force on 28 May 2024. According to the revised directive, all new buildings should have zero emissions as of 2030, and new buildings occupied or owned by the public sector should have zero emissions as of 2028. Member States will have to ensure a reduction in the average primary energy used in residential buildings of at least 16 % by 2030 and between 20 % and 22 % by 2035. Member States will have to renovate the 16 % worst-performing non-residential buildings by 2030 and the worst-performing 26 % by 2033 based on minimum energy performance requirements. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Alex Wilson. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.