Draft report of Rapporteur Bendtsen on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): Bringing the benefits of clean energy buildings to all Europeans

The Clean Energy Package put forward by the European Commission in 2016 has presented Europe with a unique opportunity to deliver on climate change goals while boosting jobs and growth. The review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a central component of this package: by working to enhance energy efficiency, Europe can move forward on implementing the Paris Agreement, create an integrated modern energy system, and improve living conditions for ordinary citizens.

The EPBD addresses energy efficiency in the building sector – a sector that accounts for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption and 36% of its CO2 emissions. Some two-thirds of Europe’s buildings date to a time before the existence of energy performance standards, and renovation rates currently stand at lower than 1% per year. At this pace, it would take a century to upgrade the building stock to modern, near-zero energy levels.

This is why Orgalime is calling for a forward-looking and determined EPBD review. Article 8, in particular, will be crucial: by encouraging the roll out of the relevant energy management infrastructure and technologies, the EU will not only take a step closer to delivering on its Paris climate goals; it will also support consumers in managing their energy consumption, accelerate integration of renewable energy sources and help create essential e-vehicle charging infrastructures – enabling the emergence of a modern, flexible electricity grid that can accommodate both centralised and decentralised production.

Download the position paper to read our recommendations in full.