The European Parliament has voted to approve a revised version of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It aims to increase the number of building renovations and drive the market for smarter energy systems for new buildings. Officials want the changes to address the fact that almost 75% of buildings in Europe are considered ‘energy inefficient’.
The revised directive calls for the wider use of smart technologies to increase the market penetration of automation and control systems, supports the introduction of new infrastructure for e-mobility in new buildings, and establishes a path towards zero-emissions buildings by 2050.
The European Commission said the revision would also introduce mechanisms to deliver the high level of investment needed to carry out the many building renovations envisaged.
Maroš Šefcˇoviˇc, the Commission’s vice-president for the Energy Union, said renovating and making buildings smarter would lead to lower energy bills, better health of occupants, protection of the environment and reduced emissions, ‘given that more than a third of these are produced by buildings’.
‘As technology has blurred the distinction between sectors, we are also establishing a link between buildings and e-mobility infrastructure, and helping stabilise the electricity grid,’ he added. ‘Another building block of the Energy Union has been laid today – let us continue ahead.’
