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The Council formally adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings today, marking a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing energy poverty in the EU. This directive sets ambitious targets for zero-emission buildings by 2050, aiming to transform the EU’s building stock into a sustainable, zero-emission environment. By 2030, all new buildings should be zero-emission, and by 2050, existing buildings will be upgraded to meet this standard.

The revised directive introduces minimum energy performance standards for non-residential buildings, ensuring they do not exceed specified energy use limits per square meter annually. By 2030, all non-residential buildings must surpass the energy performance of the 16% worst-performing buildings, with further improvements to exceed the 26% worst-performing by 2033. Member states have the option to exempt certain buildings, such as historical sites and places of worship, from these rules.

In addition to energy performance standards, the directive sets out trajectories for progressive renovation. Member states must ensure the average primary energy use of residential buildings is reduced by 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035, primarily through renovating the 43% worst-performing residential buildings. The directive also includes plans to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2040 and mandates the deployment of solar energy installations and sustainable mobility infrastructure, such as electric car recharging points and bicycle parking spaces. The Commission will review the directive by 2028, evaluating progress and implementation outcomes.

To find out more, read the European Commision Press Release, read the Revised directive on the energy performance of buildings or watch the meeting voting results