The European Commission has committed to phasing out the use of fossil fuels such as natural gas for heating by 2040 as part of a preliminary agreement agreed with the European Parliament. The deal, which will now require final approval by European authorities, was set as part of the amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). These amendments set new targets for reducing energy demand in buildings to help support other EU legislation and environmental strategies aimed at increasing the use of low-carbon technologies and renewable energy across the continent. Among some of the commitments under the revised proposals are requirements for EU member states to reduce average household primary energy consumption by 16 percent by 2030. This reduction in energy consumption will expand to 20 to 22 percent by 2035. The European Commission noted: “Member States are free to choose which buildings to target and what measures to take. (NEIL MERRETT)