The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 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.
Under this directive, member states are encouraged to increase the renovation rates of the existing built environment, especially those with subpar energy performance, and to incorporate building technologies to monitor and manage buildings efficiently. 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 revision was 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.
Key Goals of the New Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The new energy standards set forth by the EPBD 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 reducing carbon 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.
Why the EU/2024/1275 EPBD Directive Matters Now
The EU/2024/1275 EPBD addresses the immediate need for energy efficiency and decarbonisation in one of the largest energy-consuming sectors: buildings. However, this is not new. The first European directive for energy performance of buildings was published in 2002 and then updated in 2010.
What’s important of the latest version of the EPBD is the additional requirements and the deadlines: transposition into local law at each member state was set for May 2026, two years after publication. Implementation of building automation and control systems is tightened: BACS are expected to be in place by 2024 for consumption higher than 290 kW, with further implementations by 2027, as we see after.
Technical equipment is required by the EPBD to monitor building performance, including hardware like meters and sensors, and software solutions like building automation and control systems (BACS). Also 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 measurable energy savings.
Energy Standards for Non-Residential Buildings
EPBD sets a series of standards that non-residential buildings need to follow to comply: from the use of building technology to conducting regular energy audits.
BACS for non-residential buildings
With regards to building technology, the EPBD focuses on BACS technology to “support energy-efficient, economical and safe operation of technical building systems”. This means both software and services to monitor the energy performance of buildings and also indoor air quality, among others. Article 13 of the EPBD goes into detail about who should install BACS:
- For buildings with a consumption higher than 290 kW, BACS should be in place since 2024
- For buildings with a consumption higher than 70 kW, BACS is expected to be in place by end of 2029
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 and deep operational processes.
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, and is closely linked to the Energy Directive for Energy Efficiency.
At Spacewell 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 saving on energy, carbon emissions and costs.
