Moving towards climate-neutral buildings in Europe – a new guide for an effective implementation of the Buildings Directive
Margaux Barrett
Two-thirds (65%) of the European building stock was built before 1980: about 97% of the EU’s buildings must be upgraded to achieve the 2050 decarbonisation goal, but only 0.4-1.2% are renovated each year.
A more efficient, technically equipped and smarter building stock could be the cornerstone of a decarbonised energy system. Highly efficient buildings have an important role to play in achieving a climate-neutral European economy, through renewable energy production, control, storage and demand response, as well as green charging stations for electric vehicles. Upgrading our building stock to high efficiency levels is a precondition to achieve Europe’s climate promise made with the Paris Agreement.
The recent amendments [2018/844] to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) [2010/31/EU] set a clear direction for the full decarbonisation of the European building stock by 2050. It provides a clear goal for Member States and the tools to achieve it.
However, implementation is rarely a straightforward task. The BPIE guide, “Future-proof buildings for all Europeans – A guide to implement the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive”, addresses various aspects of the Directive, offering Member States a comprehensive toolkit to meet the decarbonisation challenge. The publication focuses on articles were requirements evolved or were added: long-term renovation strategies, financing of renovation, EPCs and building renovation passports, smart readiness indicator and how to calculate energy performance.
The BPIE guide supports policy makers to develop and agree effective instruments which will lead to healthy and climate-friendly buildings for all citizens.
