Last edited 14 Apr 2021

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

[edit] Introduction

On 19 May 2010, the Council of the European Union and European Parliament adopted a recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in order to strengthen the energy performance requirements of buildings. In addition it clarified and streamlined some of the provisions from the 2002 Directive it replaced. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive are the two main pieces of legislation aimed at reducing the energy consumption of buildings.

The principle underlying the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is to make the energy efficiency of buildings transparent by requiring an energy performance certificate showing the energy rating of buildings, accompanied by recommendations on how to improve its efficiency.

The main points of the directive are as follows:

When buildings are advertised for sale or rent, energy performance certificates are to be included.
Larger public buildings must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC).
Inspection schemes must be established for heating and air conditioning systems or measures put in place with equivalent effect.
All new buildings must be nearly zero energy buildings by 31 December 2020 (public buildings by 31 December 2018).
EU countries must set minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings, for buildings that undergo major renovations and for the replacement or retrofit of building elements (heating and cooling systems, roofs, walls, etc.).
EU countries have to draw up lists of national financial measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

The requirements of the first directive were originally introduced in England and Wales by the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, implementation of which was completed on 1 October 2008.

The requirements of the recast directive were implemented by the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 which took effect on 9 January 2013. This consolidated and revoked all previous regulations.

The regulations require that:

Various guidance documents have been produced to help ensure that the requirements of the regulations are met:

On 17 April 2018, the European Parliament gave approval to a revised Energy Performance of Buildings directive. This is intended to accelerate building renovation, delivering more energy efficient systems and strengthening the energy performance of new buildings, making them smarter.

The measures include:

Creating a clear path towards a low and zero-emission building stock in the EU by 2050 underpinned by national roadmaps to decarbonise buildings.
Encouraging the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and smart technologies to ensure buildings operate efficiently, for example by introducing automation and control systems.
Supporting the rollout of the infrastructure for e-mobility in all buildings.
Introducing a smart readiness indicator which will measure buildings' capacity to use new technologies and electronic systems to adapt to the needs of the consumer, optimise its operation and interact with the grid.
Integrating and substantially strengthening long-term building renovation strategies.
Mobilising public and private financing and investment.
Combatting energy poverty and reducing household energy bills by renovating older buildings.