New zero-emission buildings from 2030, gradual energy improvement of existing properties with intermediate targets for 2030 and 2035, mandatory installation of solar panels on certain types of buildings, gradual phase-out of gas boilers until a ban from 2040, climate-neutral building sector by 2050.

These are the contents of the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Green Homes Directive which aims to contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, on which, on the evening of December 7th, the Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council reached an agreement.

The Green Homes Directive is the new EU regulation on energy performance in buildings that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030 and to make it climate-neutral by 2050.

Gradual energy-saving targets for buildings

For residential buildings, member states must implement measures to ensure a reduction of at least 16% in the average primary energy used by 2030 and of at least 20-22% by 2035. By 2030, at least 16% of non-residential buildings with the worst performance must be renovated, and by 2033, 26% of the worst-performing buildings, through minimum energy performance requirements. Overall, 55 percent of energy consumption reduction will have to be achieved through renovation of the worst performing buildings. Dal testo approvato il 7 decembre sono stati

Energy class requirements eliminated, those that required achieving certain energy classes by certain deadlines (class E by 2027 and class D by 2030 for public and nonresidential buildings; class E from 2030 and D from 2033 for residential buildings).

Thus, it was opted for reference averages to be set by each member state based on its building stock, its national energy class system and its national renovation strategy. As a result, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for buildings will not be standardized, as had been proposed by the European Parliament.

Agricultural buildings and historic buildings may be excluded from the new regulations. Individual countries may also decide to exclude buildings listed for their architectural or historical value, temporary buildings, churches and places of worship.

Green homes, new zero-emission buildings from 2030

New buildings occupied or owned by government will have to be zero-emission from 2028. Starting in 2030, all new buildings must be zero-emission. These dates have slipped forward two years from the original proposal. Member states may take into account the global warming potential of the building life cycle, which includes the production and disposal of construction products.

Green Homes Directive, gas boilers banned from 2040

The Case Green Directive requires member states to take measures to decarbonize heating systems and phase out fossil fuels from heating and cooling.

Regarding, specifically, fossil fuel boilers, the goal is to phase them out by 2040 (it was 2035 in the previous version). Meanwhile, starting in 2025, states will no longer be able to provide incentives for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers; only hybrid heating systems, such as those that combine a boiler with a solar thermal system or heat pump, will be eligible for subsidies.

Therefore, these measures will not affect those who already have a gas boiler in their homes, but only those who will have to install a new heating system, either to replace an existing one or to install it in a new building.

Solar panels on the roofs of new buildings

Agreement has been reached on the obligation to install solar panels on buildings: installation will be mandatory only for new buildings, public buildings, and large non-residential buildings. Solar systems should be installed progressively, if technically and economically feasible. The requirement will cover all new residential buildings by 2030. Existing residential buildings are totally excluded.