Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
 

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD - 2002/91/EC) is the main European legislative instrument for improving the energy efficiency of Europe's building stock. Under the Directive, the following obligations were introduced in all Member States:

• A methodology to calculate and rate the integrated energy performance of buildings
• A system of energy certification for new and existing buildings, with display requirements for public buildings
• Regular inspections of heating and air-conditioning systems
• Minimum energy performance standards for new buildings and for existing buildings that undergo major renovation with a useful floor area over 1000m²
  

A full overview and the text of the Directive can be found here.
 

EPBD RECAST

In 2010, the EPBD Recast (Directive 2010/31/EU) entered into force. The updated text clarified, strengthened and extended the scope of the current directive. Key changes included:

• Development of a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings and building elements.
• Extension to all buildings (removal of 1000m² floor area threshold) of requirement to set minimum energy performance levels when a major renovation takes place, including for building envelope elements that are retrofitted or replaced
• All new buildings to be nearly zero energy level by December 2020 (December 2018 for public authority buildings)
• Requirement for Member States to list financial incentives in place to enable the transition towards nearly zero energy levels in buildings
• Mandatory energy certification for all properties constructed, sold or rented out, and for all public buildings over 500m² or those frequently visited by the public
• Enhanced heating and cooling system inspections and reporting requirements
• Requirement for Member States to establish penalties for non-compliance
   

The Directive must be transposed into national law by July 2012. 

For more information, click on the following links:

• European Commission portal on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
• EuroACE Summary of EPBD Recast
• EuroACE Comparison of Directive 2002/91EC and Directive 2010/31/EU
• Directive 2010/31/EU