Buildings are responsible for around 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Improving Europe’s building stock is therefore a central part of the EU’s climate and energy strategy.
The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduces a new framework designed to move Europe towards a zero-emission building stock by 2050. But does this mean every homeowner will be forced to renovate? Eur-Lex
No EU-wide mandatory renovation of every home
For residential buildings, the Directive does not impose an EU-wide requirement that every individual home must reach a specific energy class by 2030.
Instead, each Member State must establish a national trajectory to reduce the average primary energy use of its residential building stock by at least 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035, compared with 2020. At least 55% of the reduction must come from renovating the worst-performing residential buildings. Governments retain flexibility over which buildings and measures they target. European Commission
The rules are more prescriptive for non-residential property. By 2030, buildings must perform better than the 16% worst-performing part of the national non-residential stock; by 2033, the threshold expands to the 26% worst-performing part. European Commission
New Buildings: towards zero emissions
The direction for new construction is clearer. New buildings occupied or owned by public authorities must be zero-emission from 2028, while the requirement applies to all new buildings from 2030. European Commission
A zero-emission building must have very high energy performance, require zero or very low amounts of energy and produce no on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. The Directive also promotes solar installations where technically, economically and functionally feasible.
This represents a gradual shift away from fossil-fuel heating. EU countries must also outline policies for reducing fossil-fuel use in buildings, with a view to phasing out fossil-fuel boilers by 2040. EP
What changes for property owners?
For existing homeowners, the practical consequences will depend heavily on how each Member State implements the Directive. National governments will determine renovation programmes, financial incentives, technical assistance and possible exemptions.
Historical buildings, holiday homes and certain other categories can, under defined conditions, be exempted from specific requirements. EU rules also place particular emphasis on financing and assistance for vulnerable households and people affected by energy poverty.
For owners considering renovation, however, the direction is increasingly clear: insulation, efficient heating and cooling, better energy management and renewable energy will play a larger role in Europe’s property market. European Commission
The EPBD does not mean that every European homeowner receives the same renovation deadline. It does mean that Member States must progressively transform one of Europe’s largest sources of energy demand.
