EU Parliament is updating the EU's rules to further improve the energy efficiency of buildings

From January 1st, 2021, all new buildings in the EU should use little or no energy for heating, cooling or hot water

From January 1st, 2021, all new buildings in the EU should use little or no energy for heating, cooling or hot water

Buildings are responsible for 40% of Europe’s total energy consumption, while around 75% of buildings are considered energy-inefficient. The European Parliament aims to change that, by voting on a new law to promote renovations for existing buildings, together with the use of smart technologies that will enable buildings to operate efficiently. During April's plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs will vote on proposals to update these rules, so that energy performance ratings of buildings will be standardized across the EU and energy consumption levels will be optimized. Danish EPP member Bendt Bendtsen, responsible for steering the updated rules through Parliament, said: “We have now given member states the tool box with which to make their apartments and housing more energy efficient for the future.”

The proposal is that from January 1st, 2021, all new buildings in the EU should use little or no energy for heating, cooling or hot water. The EU rules concerning this commitment also introduce an energy certification for buildings so that owners or tenants can compare and assess their energy performance. In Germany, Denmark and other countries, there are homes that produce more energy than they expend and the European Union would like to see this model expand. For example, there is the eco-district of Vauban in Germany, built at the turn of the century and being now home to around 6,000 inhabitants. The neighborhood features solar panels, green roofs, pedestrianized streets for children and low-energy housing that other cities can replicate. Another example is a residential building in Copenhagen, constructed at the end of the 19th century, where during its recent renovation the exterior walls were insulated and new windows and an efficient ventilation system were installed. As a result, it now consumes four times less energy than before.

The main changes proposed are:

• EU countries will have to prepare national long-term strategies to support the renovation of buildings. The aim is that by 2050 buildings in the EU hardly use any energy.
• The use of smart technologies will need to be encouraged to reduce energy consumption.
• New buildings will be required to have recharging points for electric cars in parking spaces 

Source: European Parliament