The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU/2024/1275) represents a significant step forward in the EU’s commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which are among the largest energy consumers in Europe. This directive is designed to achieve a substantial reduction in energy usage (around 11%) and to support the EU’s decarbonisation goals.
Under this directive, member states are encouraged to increase the renovation rates of existing buildings, especially those with subpar energy performance, through adaptable measures suited to their unique contexts. This flexibility is crucial in addressing the diverse characteristics of European buildings, from climate variations to historical architecture. The directive also emphasizes the importance of energy audits and energy management systems to ensure buildings not only comply with new standards but also contribute to energy savings over the long term.
This directive is published only a few months after the European Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791, as part of a determined effort to set the rules and obligations to reduce energy consumption across Europe.
Why the EU/2024/1275 EPBD Directive Matters Now
This directive addresses the immediate need for energy efficiency and decarbonisation in one of the largest energy-consuming sectors: buildings. The EPBD was published in 2010 and was already reviewed in 2018 and 2021, every time setting higher objectives and seeking further commitment by all countries. By enhancing energy audits and improving energy management systems, the directive wants to ensure that buildings not only meet stricter energy regulations but also contribute significantly to energy savings.
Furthermore, the directive aligns with the broader objectives of the EU’s Green Deal, aiming to cut emissions from the building sector by 60% by 2030 relative to 2015 levels. It positions the EU as a leader in sustainable practices and energy regulation, setting a global benchmark for energy performance in buildings.
Key Goals of the New Energy Directive
The new energy standards set forth by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU/2024/1275) are designed to drastically improve energy efficiency and push forward the decarbonisation of the building sector.
The objectives are divided in 4 main pillars:
- Renovation. With different goals for residential and non-residential buildings, both existing and new build, and it includes the energy performance certificates. The new Directive wants to achieve a substantial increase in the renovation rates of existing buildings, particularly those that currently have poor energy performance
- Decarbonisation. Including the use of renewable energy sources and cutting down emissions.
- Modernisation and digitalisation. Digital energy performance certificates, charging capabilities and building automation controls (BACS)
- Financing and technical assistance. For countries to target investment in building’s efficiency.
A key goal of these standards is to ensure that all new buildings are net-zero carbon emitters by 2030, which marks a significant step towards the EU’s broader climate targets.
Focusing on the energy management perspective, two of the main elements to reach that goal include the implementation of energy audits and the integration of advanced energy management systems to monitor and control energy use effectively. These have gained importance over the years and they are becoming a standard for business accountability. Energy Management Systems like Spacewell Energy can help you address the requirements of this Directive so you can comply with new and upcoming reporting requirements.
These goals are defined by the EU to take common action towards decarbonisation and building efficiency. It is the responsibility of each country to the adapt these new goals into existing and new legislation to bring the ideas into action.
Energy Standards for Non-Residential Buildings
Overall, the existing real estate in Europe is not energy efficient and that isn’t news. The EPBD wants to focus on renovations to address the lowest performing buildings so they can reduce their energy usage at first. By 2030, at least the worst 16% must have been tackled to improve their energy consumption, with the threshold rising to 26% by 2033. This progression mandates significant improvements in energy management to ensure compliance and foster substantial energy savings.
Under the revised EPBD (EU/2024/1275), stringent standards are set specifically for non-residential buildings, which play a crucial role in the EU’s energy efficiency targets. The EPBD proposes different strategies for new buildings and for existing ones.
These regulations are not just about meeting benchmarks but also about integrating sustainable practices into the daily operations of businesses. The idea is to encourage further renovations not only by legislation but also with financial support.
For both new and existing buildings, regular energy audits will become a norm, providing detailed insights into energy flows and identifying opportunities for energy savings. This is already happening in some countries which have included energy audits in their national laws, like in Spain. This will differ on a country by country basis. The laws will be developed by every country based on the European directive but taking into account the particular environment of each country and the existing measures.
By adhering to these standards, non-residential buildings will not only contribute to the EU’s climate goals but also benefit from reduced energy costs and enhanced building value, proving that good energy practices are as economically advantageous as they are environmentally necessary.
Zero Emission Requirements for New Buildings
Starting in 2028, all new public buildings within the EU must comply with zero-emission standards, expanding to include all new constructions by 2030.
This directive mandates that these buildings not only maintain high energy performance but also meet their energy needs through renewable sources, effectively reducing on-site carbon emissions to zero. This is expected to be achieved by:
- Installing on-site renewable energy generation, mainly solar
- Supplying any additional energy needs with energy from renewable sources
This initiative is a significant component of the EU’s broader strategy for decarbonisation. It is closely linked to the Energy Directive for Energy Efficiency and the overall Fit for 55 Strategy. It also falls under the Energy Efficiency First principle, that shows a switched focus from energy generation into energy usage and reduction of demand.
If we look worldwide beyond the EU, it aligns with global trends in energy regulation and energy efficiency.
At Spacewell Energy we recognise the pivotal role software and smart building solutions play in supporting energy efficiency. If you want to know more about how our EMS solutions can help you and your business, get in touch with us and let’s discuss how you can start to save energy and costs.
