Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council  The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a legislative framework of the European Union that aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the Member States. It was adopted as part of the EU's broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and supporting renewable energy sources.

The main objectives of the directive:

1. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings: The directive requires all new buildings to be "nearly zero-energy buildings" (NZEB) by a certain date. Existing buildings are to be renovated to meet higher energy efficiency standards.

2. Energy certification: Introduction of building energy certification systems that will ensure transparency and awareness of the energy efficiency of buildings for owners, tenants and other interested parties.

3. Technical systems and inspections: Introduction of regular inspections of the technical systems of heating, air conditioning and the heat pump system in order to optimize their performance.

4. National plans and strategies: Member States have the obligation to create national plans and long-term strategies to support the renovation of buildings and increase their energy efficiency.

5. Information and education programs: Raising awareness and providing information, education programs and training on energy efficiency for all stakeholders.

The Directive was first approved in 2002 (2002/91/EC), subsequently revised in 2010 (2010/31/EU) and 2018 (2018/844/EU), and is part of the wider climate and energy package "Clean Energy for All Europeans". The goal of the entire initiative is to support the transition to more ecologically sustainable and energy efficient buildings, which are a key element for achieving the EU's climate goals.

Buildings with zero emissions

It is a concept that is becoming a new standard for new residential and non-residential buildings. Such a building is very energy efficient, requires zero or very low energy, produces no carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and generates minimal or no operational greenhouse gas emissions.

Minimum energy requirements standards

Non-residential buildings:

Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEPS) will be gradually introduced for non-residential buildings so that these buildings do not exceed the set maximum energy efficiency threshold. It will be necessary to renovate 16 % buildings with the worst energy performance by 2030, and up to 26 % by 2033. Member States will have to set concrete timetables for the renovation of the remaining non-residential buildings by 2040 and 2050.

Residential buildings:

Each member state must create its own national trajectory for the renovation of residential buildings. The goal is to reduce the average primary energy consumption of all residential buildings by at least 16 % by 2030 and by 20-22 % by 2035 compared to 2020. At least 55 % of this reduction must be achieved by renovating 43 % of residential buildings with the worst energy performance.

Member States will have to promote renovation through technical assistance and financial support and introduce guarantees for tenants such as rent support or ceilings on rent increases. Certain categories of buildings, such as historic buildings or holiday homes, may be exempt from MEPS requirements.

Energy certificates (BER certificates)

Energy certificates will be harmonized at the pan-European level to ensure their comparability. The "AG" scale will be applied in all member countries, with "A" representing the building with zero emissions and "G" the building with the worst energy performance. The "A+" scale will be reserved for buildings that have an energy demand of at least 20 % below the maximum threshold for zero-emission buildings and produce more energy from renewable sources per year than they consume.

Decommissioning of fossil fuel boilers

In order to ensure the complete decarbonisation of buildings in the EU by 2050, a phase-out from the use of fossil fuel boilers will begin from 2040.

Solar technology

Member States must ensure that all new buildings are designed with the ability to install rooftop photovoltaic or solar thermal installations. This will allow for the later installation of solar technologies in a cost-effective manner. There are various deadlines for the implementation of solar installations for both residential and non-residential buildings in this decade, where technically and economically feasible. Spring