### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers . ### the amplification of the thermo - modernisation of buildings by three times every year and improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular low - income consumers at risk of energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures , strengthened to require a significant share to be implemented as a priority , and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers .


### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec . ### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as a source of accessible energy in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting rules providing for an increase in or the stabilisation of the supply of final energy to the member state markets , with declining consumption of primary energy . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system planning and financing decisions are taken . investments to improve final energy efficiency need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective for the market than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of an increase in energy efficiency at all stages of energy flow and thereby improve the welfare of europe ' s society . the commission should ensure that the real increase in energy efficiency and response to actual market demand can compete on equal terms with increased capacity to generate final energy , particularly electricity , the consumption of which determines per capita gdp . decisions favouring investments in energy efficiency , particularly at the stage of converting primary energy into final energy , and in effective grids used to supply energy to the users , should be prioritised in eu financial plans , especially under the european fund for strategic investments . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec .


### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . ### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 2 % of annual demand for primary energy , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 , through : the continued high - efficiency conversion of primary energy into final energy ; the high - efficiency transmission of such electricity by the operators of transmission and distribution systems ; and measures taken to reduce demand among final users . the measures referred to in point should represent at least half of the annual primary energy savings referred to in this point . the savings referred to in points and should be achieved cumulatively .


### in order to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of directive 2012 / 27 / eu , a requirement for a general review of the directive and a report to the european parliament and the council by 28 february 2024 should be introduced . ### energy law and climate law are complementary and should be mutually reinforcing . thus , as part of the obligations under the paris agreement , within six months of the unfccc global stocktake in 2023 and aligned to the review process of the governance regulation [ ] , the commission should undertake a general review of directive 2012 / 27 / eu and introduce a report to the european parliament and the council assessing the general effectiveness of directive 2012 / 27 / eu and the need to adjust the union ' s energy efficiency policy according to the objectives of the paris agreement . such a review and report should be undertaken in subsequent global stocktakes thereafter .


### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective . ### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and analyse the technical and investment aspects of an amendment to the directive , so as to ensure that they will not , by 2030 , result in economic disturbance in the member states or worsen the living conditions of citizens owing to the reduction in their per capita gdp .


### where heating and cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating and cooling network , a heat or hot water meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . ### where heating , cooling or domestic hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating or cooling network , a meter shall be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery .


### the obligation on member states to establish long - term strategies for mobilising investment in the renovation of their national building stock and notify them to the commission should be removed from directive 2012 / 27 / eu and added to directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council10 where it fits with long term plans for nearly zero energy buildings and the decarbonisation of buildings . __________________ 10 directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings ( oj l 153 , 18 . 6 . 2010 , p . 13 . ### the obligation on member states to establish long - term strategies for mobilising investment in the renovation of their national building stock and notify them to the commission should be removed from directive 2012 / 27 / eu and added to directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council10 where it fits with long term plans for nearly zero energy buildings and the decarbonisation of buildings which also considers decreasing energy poverty . __________________ 10 directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings ( oj l 153 , 18 . 6 . 2010 , p . 13 .


### “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 is replaced by the following : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . as from 1 january 2021 this paragraph shall apply to all heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 , and shall apply to buildings owned and occupied by public authorities as of 1 january 2021 with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of public authorities ' buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other building . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m2 ; and the energy performance of each building ; actual measured energy consumption ; 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2030 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference public authorities ' buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , within 6 months from the entry into force of this directive ] , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authority estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up to : adopt an energy efficiency plan and long - term renovation strategy for each building , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives as well as live cycle costs assessments and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . 7a . member states shall report on the annual energy savings resulting from the renovations , including on the share of deep renovations , and on the total floor area renovated , according to article 19 of the governance regulation [ ] .


### energy savings which result from the implementation of union legislation may not be claimed unless the measure in question goes beyond the minimum required by the union legislation in question , whether by setting more ambitious energy efficiency requirements at national level or increasing the take up of the measure . recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings can be claimed if they are additional to developments that would have happened in the absence of the policy measure and if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question . ### energy savings which result from the implementation of union legislation may not be claimed unless the measure in question goes beyond the minimum required by the union legislation in question , whether by setting more ambitious energy efficiency requirements at national level or increasing the take up of the measure . recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings and the installation and use of onsite renewable energy and heat generation can be claimed if they are additional to developments that would have happened in the absence of the policy measure and if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question .


### each member state shall set indicative national energy efficiency contributions towards the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 paragraph 1 in accordance with articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting those contributions , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . member states shall notify those contributions to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ; ### each member state shall set binding national energy efficiency targets which shall cumulatively be in line with the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 paragraph 1 in accordance with articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting the level of their targets , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 129 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 825 mtoe of final energy . member states shall notify those targets to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ;


### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final users is available , it be made available , to an energy service provider designated by the final user ; ### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final customers is available , it be made available , to an energy service provider designated by the final customer ;


### in designing alternative policy measures to achieve energy savings , member states shall take into account the effect on households affected by energy poverty . ### in designing alternative policy measures to achieve energy savings by energy efficiency , member states shall take into account the effect on households affected by energy poverty and ensure a significant share of such measures are implemented as a priority in low - income households at risk of energy poverty and in social housing .


### in order to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of directive 2012 / 27 / eu , a requirement for a general review of the directive and a report to the european parliament and the council by 28 february 2024 should be introduced . ### energy and climate law is complementary and should be mutually reinforcing . thus , as part of the obligations under the paris agreement , within six months of the unfccc global stocktake in 2023 the commission should undertake a general review of the directive and a report to the european parliament and the council should be introduced assessing the general effectiveness of directive 2012 / 27 / eu and the need to adjust the union ' s energy efficiency policy according to the objectives of the paris agreement . such a review should be undertaken in subsequent global stocktakes thereafter .


### article 5 exemplary role of public bodies ' buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 shall be amended as follows : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies ' buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by public authorities of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of public authorities buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authorities estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ”


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20% headline targets and its 2030 30% binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ' ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20% headline targets and its 2030 40% binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates in line with the long - term union decarbonisation goals and with the december 2015 paris agreement . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and binding national energy efficiency contributions for 2030 . ' ;


### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec . ### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as a source of accessible energy in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting rules providing for an increase in or the stabilisation of the supply of final energy to the member states’ markets , with declining consumption of non - renewable primary energy . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system planning and financing decisions are taken . investments to improve final energy efficiency need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective for the market than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of an increase in energy efficiency at all stages of energy flow and thereby improve the welfare of europe ' s society . the commission should ensure that the real increase in energy efficiency and actions taken in response to actual market demand can co - exist harmoniously with increasing per capita gdp . decisions favouring investments in energy efficiency , particularly at the stage of converting primary non - renewable energy into final energy , and in effective grids used to supply energy to the users , should be prioritised in eu financial plans , especially under the european fund for strategic investments . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec .


### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective . ### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in june 2016 , the european parliament called upon the commission to set a binding energy efficiency target of 40 % for 2030 which will also reflect the level of cost - effective energy efficiency potential . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective .


### ' ' final energy consumption’ means all energy supplied to industry , transport , households , services and agriculture . it excludes deliveries to the energy transformation sector and the energy industries themselves ; ' ### amendment h ) point 3 is replaced by the following : ' ' final energy consumption ' means the consumption of electricity supplied to the consumer market , which is required by industry and transport , as well as energy supplied to households , services and agriculture ; this consumption depends on the total power available for dispatching , including active and reactive power , while supplying such energy ; '


### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change . ### improving the efficiency of non - renewable primary energy resources benefits the environment . it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security and cut the costs of final electricity and heat supplied to households and companies , where it will be used effectively in the form of usable energy and useful work to alleviate energy poverty , thereby generating economic activity in the member states . this will translate into the further improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of the member states .


### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec . ### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as a source of accessible energy in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting rules providing for an increase in or the stabilisation of the supply of final energy to the member state markets , with declining consumption of primary energy . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system planning and financing decisions are taken . investments to improve final energy efficiency need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective for the market than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of an increase in energy efficiency at all stages of energy flow and thereby improve the welfare of europe ' s society . the commission should ensure that the real increase in energy efficiency and response to actual market demand can compete on equal terms with increased capacity to generate final energy , particularly electricity , the consumption of which determines per capita gdp . decisions favouring investments in energy efficiency , particularly at the stage of converting primary energy into final energy , and in effective grids used to supply energy to the users , should be prioritised in eu financial plans , especially under the european fund for strategic investments . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec .


### shall ensure that appropriate information is provided with the bill based on actual consumption to all final users in accordance with point 3 of annex vii ; ### shall ensure that appropriate information is provided with the bill based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings to all final consumers in accordance with point 3 of annex viia ;


### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings . ### in view of the decarbonisation objectives under the paris agreement and the climate and energy framework for 2030 , as well as the union ' s climate and energy goals for 2050 , the energy savings obligation should be extended with beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period with a long - term vision and associated policy measures beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings and moving towards ' nearly zero energy buildings ' . cooperation with the private sector is important to assess on what basis private investment for energy efficiency projects can be unlocked .


### new savings should be additional to business as usual , so that savings that would have occurred in any event may not be claimed . in order to calculate the impact of measures introduced only net savings , measured as the change of energy consumption that is directly attributable to the energy efficiency measure in question , may be counted . to calculate net savings member states should establish a baseline scenario of how the situation would evolve in the absence of the policy in question . the policy intervention should be evaluated against this defined baseline . member states should take into account that other policy interventions may be undertaken in the same time frame which may also have an impact on energy savings , so that not all changes observed since the introduction of the policy intervention being evaluated can be attributed to that policy measure only . the actions of the obligated , participating or entrusted party should actually contribute to the achievement of the savings claimed to ensure the fulfilment of the materiality requirement . ### in order to calculate the real impact of the newly introduced measures , including investment measures , only savings that are a result of measures to deliver energy efficiency should be taken into account . member states should establish a baseline scenario of how the situation would evolve given additional savings measures . the actions of the obligated , participating or entrusted party should actually contribute to the achievement of the savings claimed .


### member states are required to achieve a cumulative end - use savings requirement for the entire obligation period , equivalent to ' new ' savings of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales . this requirement could be met by new policy measures that are adopted during the new obligation period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 or by new individual actions as a result of policy measures adopted during or before the previous period , but in respect of which the individual actions that trigger energy savings are actually introduced during the new period . ### member states are required to achieve an overall end - use savings requirement for the entire obligation period , equivalent to ' new ' savings of 2 % of annual energy sales . this requirement could be met by new policy measures that are adopted during the new obligation period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 or by new individual actions as a result of policy measures adopted during or before the previous period , but in respect of which the individual actions that trigger energy savings are actually introduced during the new period .


### article 9a metering , sub - metering and cost allocation for heating and cooling and domestic hot water member states shall ensure that final customers for district heating , district cooling and domestic hot water are provided with competitively priced meters that accurately reflect the final customer ' s actual energy consumption . where heating and cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating and cooling network , a heat or hot water meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . 2 . in multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings with a central heating or cooling source or supplied from district heating and cooling systems , individual meters shall be installed to measure the consumption of heat or cooling or hot water for each building unit . where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient to measure heating or cooling in each building unit , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless it is shown by the member state in question that the installation of such heat cost allocators would not be cost efficient . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state . in new buildings of the kind referred to in the first sub - paragraph or when such a building undergoes major renovation , as set out in directive 2010 / 31 / eu , individual meters shall always be provided . 3 . where multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings are supplied from district heating or cooling , or where own common heating or cooling systems for such buildings are prevalent , member states shall introduce transparent rules on the allocation of the cost of heating , cooling and hot water consumption in such buildings to ensure transparency and accuracy of accounting for individual consumption including : 4 . for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . meters and cost allocators that have already been installed but which are not remotely readable shall be provided with this capability or be replaced with remotely readable devices by 1 january 2027 , except where the member state in question shows that this is not cost - efficient . ; ### article 9a metering , sub - metering and cost allocation for heating and cooling and domestic hot water member states shall ensure that final customers for district heating , district cooling and domestic hot water are provided with competitively priced meters that accurately reflect the final customer ' s actual energy consumption . where heating , cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from a district heating or cooling network , a meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . 2 . in multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings with a central heating or cooling source or supplied from district heating and cooling systems , individual meters shall be installed to measure the consumption of heat or cooling or hot water for each building unit where technically feasible , cost effective and proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings . where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient or proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings to measure heating or cooling in each building unit , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless it is shown by the member state in question that the installation of such heat cost allocators would not be cost efficient . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state . in new buildings of the kind referred to in the first sub - paragraph or when such a building undergoes major renovation , as set out in directive 2010 / 31 / eu , hot - water meters shall be provided , where technically feasible , cost effective and proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings and while ensuring that this does not increase the risk of energy poverty . 3 . where multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings are supplied from district heating or cooling , or where own common heating or cooling systems for such buildings are prevalent , member states shall introduce and make public transparent national rules on the allocation of the cost of heating , cooling and hot water consumption in such buildings to ensure transparency and accuracy of accounting for individual consumption including : 4 . for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and heat cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . the conditions regarding technical feasibility and cost effectiveness set out in the first and second subparagraphs of paragraph 2 shall continue to apply . meters and heat cost allocators that have already been installed but which are not remotely readable shall be provided with this capability or be replaced with remotely readable devices by 1 january 2027 , except where the member state in question shows that this is not cost - efficient . ;


### member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia for all final users where meters or cost allocators are installed . ### where this is technically feasible , financially reasonable , and warranted by the potential energy savings , member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia , or on the respective proportions of consumption , for all final users where meters or cost allocators are installed .


### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change . ### improving the efficiency of primary energy consumption benefits the environment , will reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security , cut the costs of final electricity and heat supplied to households and companies , where it will be used effectively in the form of usable energy and useful work to alleviate energy poverty , thereby generating economic activity in the member states .


### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final users is available , it be made available , to an energy service provider designated by the final user ; ### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption or heat cost allocator readings of final consumers is available , it be made available upon request by the final user , to an energy service provider designated by the final consumer ;


### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption . it should also clarified that rights relating to billing and billing information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . therefore , for the purposes of these provisions , the term ' final user ' , should cover final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use as well as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information . the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . ### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should , with the aim to optimise the energy use of consumers , be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced information about and feedback on energy consumption when this is technically feasible and cost - efficient in view of the measurement devices in place . it should also be clarified that rights relating to billing and billing or consumption information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . the definition of the term ' final customer ' may be understood to include only natural or legal persons purchasing energy based on a direct , individual contract with an energy supplier . the term ' final user ' , should refer to a broader group of consumers . the term ' final user ' should in addition to final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use cover also as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source and where the occupants have no direct or individual contract with the energy supplier . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . the member states should have discretion to decide how best to design the detailed measures providing frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption for occupants living in individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings supplied with heating , cooling or hot water from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . the cost - efficiency of sub - metering depends on whether the related costs are proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets in relation to the reference year and its 2030 35 % binding targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further efficiency improvements beyond 2030 . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and enhance its functioning by increasing the primary energy consumption efficiency , improving the supply of final energy and by consuming it effectively afterwards ; to this end , it provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets , the contributions to which will together constitute the overall eu target for 2020 and 2030 . member states should , before preparing primary energy savings plans , define energy efficiency of their energy mix , using pef values set out in annex iva .


### member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia for all final users where meters or cost allocators are installed . ### member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia for all final customers where meters or cost allocators are installed .


### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall also express those targets in terms of an absolute level of primary energy consumption and final energy consumption in 2020 and shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , this has been calculated . ### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on cumulative primary energy consumption . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall also express those targets in terms of an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 in relation to final energy consumption in the same year and shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , this has been calculated ; an indicator defined as the ratio of primary energy to final energy used in the member states constitutes one of the indicators of energy efficiency of their economies .


### “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 is replaced by the following : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . as from 1 january 2021 this paragraph shall apply to all heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 , and shall apply to buildings owned and occupied by public authorities as of 1 january 2021 with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of public authorities ' buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other building . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m2 ; and the energy performance of each building ; actual measured energy consumption ; 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2030 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference public authorities ' buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , within 6 months from the entry into force of this directive ] , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authority estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up to : adopt an energy efficiency plan and long - term renovation strategy for each building , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives as well as live cycle costs assessments and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . 7a . member states shall report on the annual energy savings resulting from the renovations , including on the share of deep renovations , and on the total floor area renovated , according to article 19 of the governance regulation [ ] .


### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the savings required under article 7 by way of alternative policy measures they shall ensure that the energy savings required under article 7 are achieved among final customers . ### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the savings required under article 7 by way of alternative policy measures they shall ensure that the energy savings required under article 7 are fully achieved among final customers .


### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 30 % target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 23 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 17 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance . ### there should be binding targets at both national and union level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out by a binding 40% energy efficiency target . in addition , member states shall develop national energy plans , including binding national targets , drafted in accordance with regulation xx [ governance of the energy union ] . the clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national targets based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity member states should set their national binding energy efficiency targets taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 132 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 849 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 34 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 31 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance .


### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . ### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , member states may introduce a salary threshold . where a salary threshold is introduced , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer , shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member state . where a member state has introduced a salary threshold , it shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . member states shall involve the social partners if and when a salary threshold is set .


### - has the required competence , as proven by higher professional qualifications . ### - has the required qualifications or skills as attested by evidence of higher education qualifications or higher professional skills ,


### member states may hold the employer of the eu blue card holder responsible for failure to comply with the conditions of mobility laid down in this chapter or for repetitively making use of the mobility provisions of this chapter in an abusive manner . ### member states shall hold the employer of the eu blue card holder responsible for failure to comply with the conditions of mobility laid down in this chapter or for repetitively making use of the mobility provisions of this chapter in an abusive manner .


### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . ### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least , for the same working hours , the minimum wage set up in collective or sectorial agreements for the workers of the same productive sector . in case of absence of those agreements , the salary threshold shall be , at least and for the same working hours , 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times , the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned .


### the commission shall establish a schengen visa internet website containing all relevant information relating to the application for a visa . ### the commission shall establish a schengen visa internet website containing all relevant information relating to the application for a visa . that website shall be available in all official union languages and the main language of the five third countries with the highest number of schengen visa applications . in addition , that website shall provide the contact details of , and the web link to , the consulates of the member states responsible for examining a visa application .


### establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary in order to secure the rule of law . interventions in this area shall aim at : establishing independent , accountable and efficient judicial systems , including transparent and merit - based recruitment and promoting judicial cooperation , evaluation and promotion systems and effective disciplinary procedures in cases of wrongdoing ; ensuring the establishment of robust systems to protect the borders , manage migration flows and provide asylum to those in need ; developing effective tools to prevent and fight organised crime , trafficking in human beings , migrants smuggling , money laundering / financing of terrorism and corruption ; promoting and protecting human rights , rights of persons belonging to minorities including roma as well as lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex persons fundamental freedoms , including freedom of the media and data protection . ### establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary in order to secure the rule of law . interventions in this area shall aim at : establishing independent , accountable and efficient judicial systems , including transparent and merit - based recruitment and promoting judicial cooperation , evaluation and promotion systems and effective disciplinary procedures in cases of wrongdoing ; ensuring the establishment of adequate systems to protect the borders , manage migration flows and provide asylum to those in need ; developing effective tools to prevent and fight organised crime , trafficking in human beings , migrants smuggling , money laundering / financing of terrorism and corruption ; promoting and protecting human rights , gender equality , rights of persons belonging to minorities including roma as well as lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex persons fundamental freedoms , including freedom of the media and data protection .


### improving the private - sector environment and competitiveness of enterprises , including smart specialisation , as key drivers of growth , job creation and cohesion . priority shall be given to projects which improve the business environment . ### improving the private - sector environment and competitiveness of enterprises , in particular smes , including smart specialisation , as key drivers of growth , job creation and cohesion . priority shall be given to sustainable projects which improve the business environment .


### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , fundamental rights and international law , civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border management ; ### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , fundamental rights and international law , social cohesion , gender equality , civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border management ;


### establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary in order to secure the rule of law . interventions in this area shall aim at : establishing independent , accountable and efficient judicial systems , including transparent and merit - based recruitment and promoting judicial cooperation , evaluation and promotion systems and effective disciplinary procedures in cases of wrongdoing ; ensuring the establishment of robust systems to protect the borders , manage migration flows and provide asylum to those in need ; developing effective tools to prevent and fight organised crime , trafficking in human beings , migrants smuggling , money laundering / financing of terrorism and corruption ; promoting and protecting human rights , rights of persons belonging to minorities including roma as well as lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex persons fundamental freedoms , including freedom of the media and data protection . ### establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary in order to secure the rule of law . interventions in this area shall aim at : separation of powers , establishing independent , accountable and efficient judicial systems , including transparent and merit - based recruitment and promoting judicial cooperation , evaluation and promotion systems and effective disciplinary procedures in cases of wrongdoing ; ensuring the establishment of robust systems to protect the borders , manage migration flows and provide asylum to those in need ; developing effective tools to prevent and fight organised crime , trafficking in human beings , migrants smuggling , money laundering / financing of terrorism and corruption ; promoting and protecting human rights , rights of persons belonging to minorities including roma as well as lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex persons fundamental freedoms , including freedom of the media and expression and data protection .


### the enlargement policy framework defined by the european council and the council , the agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries listed in annex i , as well as relevant resolutions of the european parliament , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . the commission shall ensure coherence between the assistance and the enlargement policy framework . ### the enlargement policy framework defined by the european council and the council , the agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries , as well as relevant resolutions of the european parliament , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the comprehensive policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . the commission shall ensure coherence between the assistance and the overall enlargement policy framework . the hr / vp shall ensure overall political coordination of the union ' s external action , its unity , consistency and effectiveness , including by means of this regulation . the european external action service shall therefore coordinate programming under this regulation and contribute to the management cycle for this regulation , on the basis of the policy objectives set out in article 3 .


### strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations and social partners ' organisations , including professional associations , in beneficiaries listed in annex i and encouraging networking at all levels among union - based organisations and those of beneficiaries listed in annex i , enabling them to engage in an effective dialogue with public and private actors . ### strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations and social partners ' organisations , including professional associations , in beneficiaries and encouraging networking at all levels among union - based organisations and those of beneficiaries , enabling them to engage in an effective dialogue with public and private actors . assistance shall endeavour to be accessible to a variety of organisations in beneficiaries that is as wide as possible .


### assistance under ipa iii shall be implemented in direct management or in indirect management in accordance with the financial regulation through annual or multi - annual action plans and measures as referred to in chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] . chapter iii of title ii of [ ndici regulation ] shall apply to this regulation with the exception of paragraph 1 of article 24 [ eligible persons and entities ] . ### assistance under ipa iii shall be executed in direct management or in indirect management in accordance with the financial regulation through annual or multi - annual action plans and measures .


### it shall apply from 1 january 2021 . ### it shall apply from 1 january 2021 until 31 december 2027 .


### the general objective of ipa iii shall be to support the beneficiaries listed in annex i in adopting and implementing the political , institutional , legal , administrative , social and economic reforms required by those beneficiaries to comply with union values and to progressively align to union rules , standards , policies and practices with a view to union membership , thereby contributing to their stability , security and prosperity . ### the general objective of ipa iii shall be to support the beneficiaries in adopting and implementing the political , institutional , legal , administrative , social and economic reforms required by those beneficiaries to comply with union values and to progressively align to union rules , standards , policies and practices with a view to union membership , thereby contributing to their stability , security and prosperity as well as to the strategic interests of the union .


### the general objective of ipa iii shall be to support the beneficiaries listed in annex i in adopting and implementing the political , institutional , legal , administrative , social and economic reforms required by those beneficiaries to comply with union values and to progressively align to union rules , standards , policies and practices with a view to union membership , thereby contributing to their stability , security and prosperity . ### the general objective of ipa iii shall be to support the beneficiaries listed in annex i in adopting and implementing the political , institutional , legal , administrative , social and economic reforms required by those beneficiaries to comply with union acquis and values and to progressively align to union rules , standards , policies and practices with a view to union membership , thereby contributing to their stability , security and prosperity .


### the ipa programming framework shall include indicators for assessing progress with regard to attainment of the targets set therein . ### the ipa programming framework shall take into account clear and verifiable performance indicators set out in annex iv to this regulation for assessing progress with regard to attainment of the targets set therein , inter alia progress and results in the areas of : a . democracy , the rule of law and an independent and efficient justice system ; b . human rights and fundamental freedoms , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups ; c . gender equality and women ' s rights ; d . the fight against corruption and organised crime ; e . reconciliation , peace - building , good neighbourly relations ; f . media freedom the performance - based approach under this regulation shall be subject to a regular exchange of views in the european parliament and in the council .


### the enlargement policy framework defined by the european council and the council , the agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries listed in annex i , as well as relevant resolutions of the european parliament , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . the commission shall ensure coherence between the assistance and the enlargement policy framework . ### the enlargement policy framework defined by the european council and the council , the agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries , as well as relevant resolutions of the european parliament , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the comprehensive policy framework for the application of this regulation . the commission shall ensure coherence between the assistance and the overall enlargement policy framework . the hr / vp shall ensure political coordination of the union ' s external action within the framework of&#160 ; the policy objectives set out in article 3 .


### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation and good neighbourly relations , as well as people to people contacts and communication ; ### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation , peace building and good neighbourly relations , as well as people to people contacts and communication ;


### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of civil society should be enhanced both in programmes implemented through government bodies and as a direct beneficiary of union assistance . ### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , consistency and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of diverse independent civil society organisations and different types and levels of local authorities should be adequately enhanced both in programmes implemented through government bodies and as a direct beneficiary of union assistance .