Local governments across Europe have committed themselves to ambitious climate and energy targets, but tackling the decarbonisation of buildings and improving their energy efficiency remains a significant challenge. Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Europe and an estimated three-quarters of the EU’s building stock is deemed to be energy inefficient according to current building standards.

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) are currently meeting to negotiate revisions to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which could shape national policies that significantly accelerate the sustainable transformation of Europe’s building stock. For this reason, ICLEI Europe supports the World Green Building Council’s call that key elements and the overall ambitiousness of this critical European legislative act are preserved. The revised EPBD will be put to a vote in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee on Thursday 9 February.

The revised version of the directive includes several articles which, if transposed thoughtfully and bolstered by comprehensive technical and financial support to local and regional governments, will serve to catalyse both sustainable construction and deep renovation. Stipulations made in relation to Minimum Energy Performance Standards will play an important role in driving the Renovation Wave in particular, with well-resourced local governments being central to on-the-ground implementation and the support of vulnerable households. Another provision relates to Energy Performance Certificates and complementary tools, which would enhance data accessibility, quality and comparability - thereby strengthening evidence-based policy making at all levels of government. Lastly, the directive includes provisions to address the entire life cycle of buildings, going beyond GHG emissions associated with building operation to also include embodied emissions. Implementing such a cradle-to-grave approach to buildings will be essential, if Europe is to become the world’s first carbon neutral continent by 2050.

The EPBD will play a central role in future-proofing Europe’s building stock, if implementation is accompanied by comprehensive support for subnational governments. By voting in favour of the compromise reached on January 30th, MEPs have a great opportunity to set the course for the sustainable transformation of buildings across Europe, in line with ambitious climate and energy targets.

To read the call in full, click here.