The European Union has formally adopted the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilThe legislation sets a framework for Member States to reduce emissions and energy consumption in buildings, based on a revised directive formally adopted by the European Council and the European Commission.

It will now be published in the Official Journal of the Union and will take effect in the coming weeks. Member States will then have to transpose it into their national legislation.

The directive contains provisions for EU member states to phase out fossil fuels for heating in buildings and promote the deployment of solar installations, taking into account their national conditions. According to a statement published by the European Commission, member states will have to ensure that all new buildings are "solar electricity ready" as part of the EU's solar energy standard, which was approved by MEPs in March. (PATRIK JOWETT, more at pv-magazine.com)