The EU Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) have adopted amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), advancing energy efficient renovations of existing buildings, and including infrastructure to support electric vehicles in new buildings and building energy performance monitoring.

The extensive amendments include:

• the addition of human health protection in the commitment to a sustainable and decarbonized energy system;
• a statement that it is ‘vital’ that current buildings are highly energy efficient to near zero energy standard;
• that Member States to deliver clear guidelines and measurable targets and outcomes for the worst performing building stock and for energy poor consumers. Member States are asked to consider the application of requirements for specified levels of energy performance for rental properties;
• consideration of nature based solutions including street plantings, green walls and green roofs; and
• a high level of ambition to decarbonise building stock with the suggestion of building with wood as a means to reduce the embodied energy of buildings.

The amendments are designed to boost energy efficiency renovations in the long term and will enable public bodies to invest in high performing buildings by providing a clear strategy to ensure buildings are energy efficient by 2050. The ambitious targets are expected to create millions of jobs within the Union, specifically for small to medium sized businesses.

More information here.