Final adoption of the EPBD: an important step towards a European Renovation wave!

On the 12th of March 2024, the majority of the European Parliament adopted the final text of the revised directive on the energy performance the building (EPBD). First released in 2010, the revision of the directive ensures compliance with the European Climate Law, and with the climate neutrality objective by 2050.

Before the official entry into force, the law still needs to also be officially endorsed by the Council of the EU in the month of April.

“FEDARENE, and the local and regional energy agencies members of its network, welcome the final adoption of the revised Energy Performance of the Building Directive (EPBD). The building sector represents 35% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and new constructions are expected to increase the floor area of the EU building stock by 40% by 2050. The European Union officials sent a positive message for a quick and fair renovation wave, ensuring energy efficiency, fighting energy poverty, and addressing EU energy independence.

However, we missed the opportunity to introduce a binding timeline for the renovation of the residential building stock and to implement a ban on fossil fuel heating and cooling systems, which would have considerably enhanced the rapid decarbonisation of the building sector.

We praise the recognition of one-stop shops as key levers of the successful implementation of the EPBD provisions in the territories, providing local support, assistance, and facilitation. However, in order for these one-stop shops to be drivers for territorial and economic development, it is essential to link their development and management to permanent structures such as local/regional authorities and their energy agencies.

FEDARENE calls on Members States to show ambition in implementing the renovation wave in their regions, and to design and apply successful Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), thanks to partnerships with local and regional energy agencies, as they are key technical assistance providers, that have the knowledge and the experience of their territories. FEDARENE and its members stand ready to support the implementation process that will follow in the coming months and years.

Thanks to great and solid cooperation, we can face the challenge of the renovation wave and turn it into reality.”

Comments Julije Domac, president of the FEDARENE and managing director of the North-West Croatia energy agency (REGEA).

To know more about the new provisions and new path for actions that the revision of the directive is bringing, go check out our briefing in the Members Hub.