On March 12, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a major directive aimed at standardizing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) across the European Union. This initiative seeks to harmonize energy performance standards for all types of buildings within the EU to promote greater energy efficiency and combat climate change.
What does this directive imply?
The new directive requires property owners to accelerate building renovations and encourages the integration of renewable energy sources. It sets minimum energy performance criteria for both residential and non-residential buildings, with particularly stringent requirements for new constructions that must achieve zero emissions in the coming years.
Key objectives of this directive include:
Accelerated Renovation: Promoting energy renovations to reduce the carbon footprint of existing buildings.
Renewable Energy: Encouraging the use of renewable energy in building design and operation.
New Constructions: Mandating zero-emission standards for new buildings.
What are the impacts for consumers?
Property owners will need to invest more to make their new buildings "solar ready," meaning they must be designed and equipped to facilitate the installation of photovoltaic or thermal solar systems. This requirement aims to simplify the adoption of solar technologies and accelerate the energy transition.
Additionally, the directive bans subsidies for fossil fuel boilers starting in 2025, with the goal of completely phasing out these boilers by 2040. As a result, the market is expected to shift towards more eco-friendly heating systems, such as heat pumps and electric heating.
Impact on property owners :
Increased investments: Property owners will need to invest in upgrading their buildings' energy performance.
Solar equipment: Buildings must be ready for solar panel installations.
Phase-out of fossil boilers: Shift towards renewable heating alternatives.
When and how will EPCs be standardized?
The standardization of EPCs within the European Union will be implemented by 2029. The new certificates will have ratings ranging from A to G:
Rating A: Indicates zero energy consumption.
Rating G: Indicates a high energy-consuming building.
This standardization will help EU occupants better understand and compare building energy performance, making decisions about energy efficiency easier.
Summary
The European Parliament has adopted a directive to standardize energy performance standards for buildings across Europe. This measure imposes strict criteria for new constructions, encourages renewable energy use, and bans subsidies for fossil fuel boilers. Property owners will need to make their buildings "solar ready," and a uniform EPC system will be deployed across the EU by 2029, with ratings from A to G.
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