Green light from the European Parliament
The European Parliament recently gave the green light to the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), commonly called the “green homes” directive. With 370 votes in favour, 199 against and 46 abstentions, the approved text is the one released by Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) commission on 15 January, which is however considered a compromise compared to the initial proposals of the EU Commission.
Energy saving objectives
The new directive aims to reduce the average primary energy consumption of residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and by 20-22% by 2035, with at least 55% of this reduction coming from the renovation of the most energy-intensive properties. For non-residential buildings, the goal is to renovate 16% of the worst performing buildings by 2030 and 26% by 2033.
Stop gas boilers from 2040
One of the most important innovations concerns methane gas boilers, which will be banned starting from 2040, with a delay of 5 years compared to the initial proposal. Furthermore, from 2024, incentives will no longer be allowed for the installation of new gas boilers, while those for hybrid heating systems or those powered by renewable sources will be promoted.
Photovoltaic obligation for new buildings
To encourage the self-production of energy from clean sources, starting from 2027 all new non-residential properties with a useful surface area exceeding 250 mXNUMX will have to install photovoltaic systems. An obligation that could also extend to residential buildings in the future.
Funding is lacking
Despite the ambitious objectives, the EU Commission has not allocated new financial resources under this directive. The issue of financing has been delegated to the Member States, but will be the subject of a subsequent act to be approved within one year of the entry into force of the EPBD.
Next steps
The green homes directive will now have to go to the EU Council for final approval. Once published in the Official Journal of the European Union, it will come into force after 20 days and member states will have two years to transpose it into their national legislation.
A step forward, but with criticism
The new rules represent an important step towards the decarbonisation of the building sector, responsible for around 40% of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. However, there is no shortage of criticism from those who believe that the objectives have been excessively scaled down compared to the initial proposals, and that the envisaged measures risk being ineffective without adequate funding.
Costs for property owners
Property owners will face high costs for energy efficiency of buildings, with the risk of a further increase in already skyrocketing prices in the real estate sector. It will therefore be essential to provide incentives and tax breaks to make the interventions accessible even to less wealthy families.
Implementation at the national level
In any case, the new directive represents a step forward in the EU's ecological transition path, laying the foundations for a more sustainable construction sector in line with the objectives of reducing climate-changing emissions. It will now be up to the Member States to effectively implement the rules at national level, so that the efforts made in Brussels do not remain mere declarations of intent.
