European Parliament votes through revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The European Parliament has approved an amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Under the amendment, new buildings must have zero greenhouse gas emissions from 2028. The directive also introduces measures intended to help reduce energy bills.

Buildings account for a total of 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. This is one reason why the EU is introducing stricter measures to reduce them. The European Parliament has now approved a revision of the directive on emissions from buildings, and has outlined the measures on its website.

Reducing emissions from buildings goes hand in hand with improving their energy efficiency, which, according to Parliament, should also lower people’s energy bills. The directive not only sets rules for new buildings, but also increases the rate of renovation of energy-inefficient buildings and improves access to information about energy performance.

Adopted targets

Under the adopted text, all new buildings should be zero-emission from 2028. New buildings occupied, operated or owned by public authorities will have to meet this requirement from 2026 (the Commission had proposed 2030 and 2027, respectively).