EBPD - recast Energy performance of buildings directive
On Thursday 19 November, the Council reached agreement with the European Parliament on the Commission’s proposal on the recast Energy performance of buildings directive. The agreed text is attached (parts in grey are compromise text).
EPBD_recast_1st reading_18 November 2009
Main results:
· New definition for "nearly zero energy building": buildings with a very high energy performance and a significant share of energy supply from renewable energy sources.
· Targets:
- all new buildings should be "nearly zero energy building" by end of 2020;
- new buildings owned and occupied by public authorities have to achieve this target by end of 2018;
- Member States should stimulate the transformation of existing buildings into nearly zero energy buildings (via national plans).
· The Council strongly opposed the EP request to establish a common calculation methodology of the energy performance of building. The agreed text introduces common principles (included in the Annex) and a tightening of the cost-optimal procedure. For nearly zero buildings a reference is made to the use of European standards.
· Member States should set minimum energy performance requirements at a national level buildings and building elements (may differentiate between new and refurbished building). These minimum requirements are to comply with cost optimal levels (performance level which leads to the lowest cost during the economic life cycle). However, there are some exemptions.
The calculation methodology of cost optimal levels will be based on a “comparative methodology framework” to be established by the Commission by June 2011.
· New article on financial incentives: Member States have to list existing and planned instruments at national level by June 2011. The Commission will analyse these lists, and, if necessary, give advices & recommendations. By 2011, the Commission should present an analysis on the effectiveness of the structural funds used for increasing energy efficiency in housing, European Investment Bank funding, and on the coordination of Community and national funding.
The Council is now expected to adopt a political agreement on 7 December 2009, followed by a Common Position expected early 2010.
First published on 24/11/2009
