EU regs for energy-efficient buildings raise questions for commercial property
EU regs for energy-efficient buildings raise questions for commercial property Compliance Week
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Organizations Urged to Prioritize Sustainability and Emissions in the European Union
By 
Ruth Prickett2024-03-26T14:00:00
Introduction
Organizations with property in the European Union should be asking more questions about their sustainability and emissions in light of revised plans to decarbonize buildings across the region.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations provide a framework for global sustainability efforts. The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aligns with several SDGs, including:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Key Findings
- Buildings currently cause 40 percent of the EU’s energy consumption and produce 36 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), revisions to which were agreed to by European Parliament earlier this month, sets targets for all new buildings to create zero emissions by 2030.
- Existing nonresidential buildings with the highest emissions will need to be renovated, beginning by 2030.
- Fossil fuel heating and cooling systems will be phased out by 2040.
- Member states will be expected to install solar power in public and nonresidential buildings, “if technically and economically suitable.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- Indicator: Energy consumption in buildings
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
- Indicator: Emissions from buildings
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Energy consumption in buildings |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all | Emissions from buildings |
| Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings | |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings |
Analysis
The article highlights the revised plans to decarbonize buildings in the European Union, which is directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The target under this SDG that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The article mentions that the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets targets for all new buildings to create zero emissions by 2030, indicating a focus on improving energy efficiency in buildings. The indicator mentioned in the article is energy consumption in buildings, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Two targets under this SDG can be identified based on the article’s content. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. While the article does not directly mention transport systems, it emphasizes the need to decarbonize buildings, which can contribute to creating sustainable cities and communities. The indicator mentioned in the article is emissions from buildings, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The article mentions that buildings currently cause 36 percent of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities. The indicator mentioned in the article is greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The target under this SDG that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. The article discusses the revised plans to decarbonize buildings in the European Union, indicating an integration of climate change measures into policies and planning. The indicator mentioned in the article is reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: complianceweek.com
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