Written by Alex Wilson (1st edition).
On 15 December 2021, the European Commission adopted a major revision (recast) of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. The latter consists of several legislative proposals to meet the new EU objective of a minimum 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. It is a core part of the European Green Deal, which aims to set the EU firmly on the path towards net zero GHG emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050.
The recast EPBD aims to accelerate building renovation rates, reduce GHG emissions and energy consumption, and promote the uptake of renewable energy in buildings. It would introduce a new EU definition of a ‘zero emissions building’, applicable to all new buildings from 2027 and to all renovated buildings from 2030. Zero-emissions buildings would need to factor in their life-cycle global warming potential. The recast EPBD would accelerate energy-efficient renovations in the worst performing 15 % of EU buildings, and would set minimum energy performance standards. In due course, every building would need to achieve at least a Class E on a revised A-G scale of energy performance certificates (EPCs). EPCs would be included in linked national databases. Other provisions introduce building renovation passports and a smart readiness indicator, end subsidies for fossil fuel boilers, and make building automation and control systems more widespread.
The file has been referred to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), which will in due course appoint a rapporteur, who will produce a draft report.
Versions
- February 2022: Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Fit for 55 package (1st edition)
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings (recast) |
Committee responsible: | Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) | COM(2021) 802 final 15.12.2021 |
Rapporteur: | To be appointed | 2021/0426(COD) |
Shadow rapporteurs: | Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) |
Next steps expected: Appointment of rapporteur |

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