EuroACE warmly welcomed the formal approval by the European Parliament today of the interinstitutional

agreement on the Recast of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

(EPBD). The revision marks a significant leap forward for Europe in tackling energy use,

particularly in new buildings. The next step is to look at how to incentivise refurbishment in the

existing building stock, in order to Renovate Europe! over the coming years.

The EPBD Recast prescribes that all new buildings across Europe must be built to a very low

energy standard by 2021. It also mandates that energy efficiency measures must be taken when an

existing building undergoes any type of major renovation. Furthermore, technical building systems

will have to meet minimum energy performance requirements when replaced. A new Article on

financial measures provides an important indication of the need for adequate and innovative fiscal

and financial incentives in order to support the implementation of the Directive.

Given the cost-effective energy savings potential of buildings, EuroACE would like to see the

energy efficiency renovation rate doubled over the next five years. Secretary General, Amanda

Afifi, believes “the campaign to Renovate Europe! requires further bold moves from EU institutions

and Member States to take full advantage of the savings in the EU’s existing building stock”.

For further information:

Amanda Afifi - Secretary General

Tel. +32 2 639 1010

E-mail: amanda.afifi@euroace.org