Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Agreement reached is the right way to renovate Europe's building stock

01 February 2018
by eub2 -- last modified 01 February 2018

Yesterday the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) confirmed the agreement reached between the Estonian presidency and the European Parliament in December 2017 on the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The compromise advocates a better energy performance of the building sector, responsible for about 40% of final EU energy consumption. "We strongly welcome this agreement, because it pays particular attention to mechanisms involving SMEs and phasing out the worst-performing building stock", says Eugenio Quintieri, EBC Secretary General.

Mobilisation of investment is key to increase renovation rates
EBC welcomes the provision urging Member States to facilitate access to mechanisms for the aggregation of projects in order to enable investor access and packaged solutions for potential clients. "Given that around 92% of enterprises in the construction sector have less than ten workers, project aggregation is an important step to improve and simplify the offer vis-à-vis home owners and investors", states Quintieri. In addition to this, EBC especially supports the promotion of mechanisms to reduce the perceived risk of energy efficiency operations, the use of public funding to generate private-sector investment and the offer of accessible and transparent advisory tools for consumers to help drive energy renovation investment.

Collection and dissemination of best practices to effectively engage with energy efficiency renovation

The collection and dissemination of best practices by the European Commission on successful public and private financing schemes for energy efficiency renovations is another important element of the long-term renovation strategy. Moreover, the European Commission will provide information about schemes for the aggregation of small-scale energy efficiency renovation projects. EBC considers the 'Energy Efficiency Mortgage' launched by the European Mortgage Federation' a good example for a private financing scheme. It focuses on setting mortgages schemes with preferential interest rates for the energy efficiency renovation of homes and/or additional funds for retrofitting homes at the time of purchase. Furthermore, 'Picardie Pass Renovation' is a successful example of public engagement, because it focuses on the aggregation of small energy renovation programmes into larger frameworks. "Awareness on best-practices is still low although various public and private initiatives developed successful projects. Thus we believe further efforts are needed to spread ideas on how to effectively engage with energy efficiency renovation", remarks Quintieri.

Early financial incentives from Member States decrease investment uncertainties

EBC is glad to see that Member States can link their financial measures for energy efficiency improvements in the renovation of buildings to a number of determinants for energy savings, such as standardised values or the energy performance of the equipment/material used. Furthermore financial incentives can be linked to targeted energy savings. "We support financial incentives linked to targeted energy savings, because they reduce the uncertainties of home owners and allow them to receive at least part of the financial support at the beginning of the renovation", emphasises Quintieri.

Alternatives to inspections of heating and air-conditioning will help to ensure optimal performance

The agreement rightfully recognises the importance of alternatives to inspection of heating and air-conditioning systems, such as maintenance which ensures that the system/equipment remains in an efficient state, working order and in good repair. However, EBC is disappointed about the increase of the threshold to 70 kW which excludes the vast majority of single family homes from regular checks. "All Member States should be aware of the important role of heating and air-conditioning systems in smaller houses, which represent around 51% of the EU building stock. That is why lower kW-thresholds for systems on the national level must be put in place", remarks Quintieri.

Next steps

After the endorsement by the European Council, the European Parliament will have to approve the agreement reached on 19 December 2017. Currently the vote in plenary is scheduled for the 16 April 2018.

The European Builders Confederation (EBC) represents and defends the interests of microenterprises, craftsmen and SMEs in the construction sector at EU level.

European Builders Confederation EBC