Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption in Europe and therefore making them efficient is crucial, both to save money and to achieve the EU 2030 energy and climate goals. Today the European Parliament adopted the final deal with the EU Council for a new directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings.

 

The S&D Group has pushed not only for strong measures to reduce energy loss in existing buildings, but also for a swift transition to an increased use of renewable energy, and also to improve housing conditions and energy insulation for the average citizen.

 

The S&Ds welcome that the directive requires member states to come up with long-term renovation strategies to decarbonise their building stock.

 

 

“We are now setting out on a path to transform Europe's building stock. The increased renovation rate will bring investments and jobs, and will also bring down energy costs for households. Through the long-term renovation strategies, we can further improve quality of life, such as healthy indoor climate conditions. Tackling the energy use of buildings is a key component in Europe's answer to the Paris agreement. In the directive we sought to introduce new tools and measures such as mandatory building automation for large non-residential buildings.”

 

 

“In this directive we are taking a step towards decarbonisation of transportation. In the future, electric cars will not only be charged at gas stations but increasingly in homes and at the workplace. Therefore, we want that new buildings and buildings that undergo major renovations come equipped with the necessary cables to install charging points for electric cars. This will be an important step in providing possibilities for people to change to a low-emission car.

 

“The S&Ds have tried for a long time to improve life for energy-poor households (estimated to be up to 11% of EU households). Now, finally, EU countries will have to outline actions that help to reduce energy poverty while supporting equal access to financing tools for energy-efficiency renovations for vulnerable households. We ensured that financial incentives to renovate also have a consumer perspective that takes into account cost-efficiency differences between member states.”