Member states to restore 16% of poor buildings by 2030 under new law

European Performance of Buildings Directive: A Step Towards Sustainable Development Goals

The European Performance of Buildings Directive aims to provide granular detail on how to decarbonise building stock, concluding a pillar of the European Green Deal.

Targeting Renovation of Non-Residential Buildings

1. At least 16% of EU countries’ worst performing non-residential buildings will be targeted for renovation by 2030.
2. By 2033, the target will increase to 26%.

This law, backed by lawmakers in the European Parliament (EP), aims to curb poor energy performance and reduce energy consumption in EU buildings. The revision of the European Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD) is proposed to modernise Europe’s building stock by 2050.

Minimum Energy Performance Standards

• The directive sets minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings such as office buildings, schools, and hospitals.
• Member states will establish these standards, considering buildings exceeding a set threshold of maximum energy consumption.

According to EU data, more than 220 million buildings, representing approximately 85% of non-residential EU building stock, were built before 2001 and are expected to remain standing in 2050.

Positive Outcome and Funding Opportunities

Despite opposition, the directive received significant support with 370 votes in favor and 199 against in the European Parliament. Lawmaker Ciarán Cuffe expressed satisfaction with the achievement, stating that the directive will unlock public and private funding for renovations.

Member states are obliged to draw down EU funds to ensure their national plans are sufficiently funded. This will provide financial support for renovations and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Promoting Solar Installations and Energy Reduction

• From 2026 to 2030, member states must progressively equip roofs of non-residential buildings with solar installations.
• Solar installations must also be considered in residential buildings.
• Member states need to ensure the availability of trained workers for solar installations.

Guglielmo Cioni, President of Solar Heat Europe, expressed optimism that the solar mandate under the EPBD will act as a catalyst to triple the deployment of solar thermal technology.

Energy Reduction Targets

• National governments must reduce energy use in residential buildings by 16% by 2030.
• By 2035, the target is set between 20% to 22%.

Renovations carried out since 2020 can be counted towards achieving these targets.

Zero-Emission Building Standards

• All new residential buildings must meet the zero-emission building (ZEB) standard from 2030.
• ZEBs must not produce any emissions on site and must run on a very low amount of energy, such as through rooftop solar.
• For public buildings, this standard will apply from 2028.

Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels

Lawmakers agreed on an indicative 2040 phase-out date for fossil fuels in heating and cooling. Standalone boilers will no longer receive subsidies after 2025. National governments will provide incentives to encourage the switch to renewable heating and cooling systems.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals

Buildings contribute 36% of the EU’s CO2 emissions and are responsible for about 40% of energy consumption. With nearly three in four buildings in Europe being energy inefficient, the EPBD plays a crucial role in achieving the SDGs.

Implementation and Future Steps

The revised EPBD will be formally adopted by the Council after receiving approval from the European Parliament. Implementation is set to begin after EU countries present their national renovation plans in 2026.

The European Performance of Buildings Directive is a significant step towards achieving a climate-neutral building stock by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. The directive provides a framework for decarbonization and sets the stage for sustainable development in the building sector.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
   • Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
   • Indicator 11.3.2: Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management that operate regularly and democratically

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
   • Indicator 17.14.1: Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are:

• Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:

• Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
• Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
• Indicator 11.3.2: Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management that operate regularly and democratically
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
• Indicator 17.14.1: Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: euronews.com

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