In a late-night negotiation session, the Council of the EU, the European Parliament, and the European Commission successfully brokered an agreement on the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Despite the challenges, the provisional agreement marks progress in reshaping the approach to building sustainability across the European Union.
Key highlights of the provisional agreement:
- Better Buildings: Sharp focus on enhancing energy performance;
- National Trajectories: Tailored strategies for curbing residential energy use;
- Renovation Wave: Strategic plans and one-stop-shops for comprehensive support;
- Enhanced EPCs: Improved certificates for informed decisions;
- Fossil Fuels Phase-out: Subsidies cease by Jan 1, 2025, with a detailed phase-out roadmap by 2040;
- Non-residential Improvement: Phased upgrade targeting 16% by 2030, 26% by 2033;
- Sustainable Mobility: Provisions for pre-cabling, EV recharging, and bicycle parking;
- Zero Emissions Standard: New buildings mandated to achieve zero on-site emissions by specified deadlines.
While the final agreement falls short of the original Commission proposal from December 2021, it marks a step in the right direction. Acknowledging its weaknesses, the agreement, if earnestly implemented by Member States, holds the potential for progress. However, doubts linger on whether it provides the necessary thrust to achieve a truly climate-neutral building stock by 2050.
This provisional agreement requires formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council. Once completed, this groundbreaking legislation will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and enter into force.
For further information: read on the press release from the https://energycoalition.eu/news/half-empty-deal-for-eed-2/, and press releases by Commission, Council, Parliament.