The EU Green Building Directive introduces ambitious targets to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the construction sector across Europe.
The European Council has officially approved an updated directive on the energy performance of buildings. This directive aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle energy poverty within the European Union. Currently, over 33% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. With the new provisions, by 2030, all new buildings must be constructed with zero emissions, while by 2050, the entire EU building stock should achieve zero emissions.
EU Green Building Directive: goals for 2030 and beyond
The revised directive sets minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings to limit the primary or final energy consumption per square meter per year. According to the new rules, by 2030, all non-residential buildings will surpass the bottom 16% of the worst-performing buildings, and by 2033, they will surpass 26%. This process will gradually eliminate non-residential buildings with poor energy performance. Member states have the option to exempt specific buildings from these regulations, such as historical buildings, places of worship, or military buildings.
Energy efficiency standards under the EU green building directive
Member states are committed to reducing the average primary energy consumption of residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035. At least 55% of this reduction will be achieved through the renovation of 43% of the residential buildings with the lowest energy performance. During the renovation process, member states will provide technical and financial support, especially for vulnerable families.
How the EU Green Building Directive supports sustainable housing
To reduce emissions in the building sector, national building renovation programs will rely on a detailed strategy aiming to phase out the use of fossil fuel-powered boilers by 2040. The new provisions will ensure the installation of adequate solar systems in new, public, and non-residential buildings undergoing renovation with a permit request. Additionally, infrastructures for sustainable mobility will be required, including electric vehicle charging points within or near buildings, provisions for future infrastructure cables or conduits, and bicycle parking spaces
A look ahead to 2028
The directive will soon be ratified and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will have a period of two years to integrate the provisions of the directive into their national legislation. The Commission will evaluate the effectiveness of the directive by 2028, taking into account the experience gained and progress made during its implementation.
