Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings

(2022/C 375/09)

Rapporteur: André VIOLA (FR/PES), Member of a Local Executive: Departmental Council of Aude Reference document: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings (recast) COM(2021) 802

I. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS

Amendment 1

Recital 6

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Buildings account for 40 % of final energy consumption in the Union and 36 % of its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reduction of energy consumption, in line with the energy efficiency first principle as laid down in Article 3 [revised EED] and defined in Article 2(18) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important measures needed to reduce the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced energy consumption and an increased use of energy from renewable sources also have an important part to play in reducing the Union's energy dependency, promoting security of energy supply, technological developments and in creating opportunities for employment and regional development, in particular in islands and rural areas. Buildings account for 39 % of final energy consumption in the Union , 28 % being operational consumption and 11 % building materials and construction (embodied carbon), and 36 % of its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reduction of the demand for energy, materials, land and energy consumption, in line with the energy efficiency first principle as laid down in Article 3 [revised EED] and defined in Article 2(18) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important measures needed to reduce the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced demand for energy, materials and land, energy consumption and an increased use of energy from renewable sources also have an important part to play in reducing the Union's energy and materials dependency, promoting security of energy and materials supply, technological developments and in creating opportunities for employment and regional development, in particular in islands and rural areas.

Reason

Adding a more explicit reference to circularity.

Amendment 2

Recital 7

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Buildings are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions before, during and after their operational lifetime. The 2050 vision for a decarbonised building stock goes beyond the current focus on operational greenhouse gas emissions. The whole life-cycle emissions of buildings should therefore progressively be taken into account, starting with new buildings. Buildings are a significant material bank, being repositories for resources over many decades, and the design options largely influence the whole life-cycle emissions both for new buildings and renovations. The whole life-cycle performance of buildings should be taken into account not only in new construction, but also in renovations through the inclusion of policies for the reduction of whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Member States' building renovation plans. Buildings are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions before, during and after their operational lifetime. The 2050 vision for a decarbonised building stock goes beyond the current focus on operational greenhouse gas emissions. The whole life-cycle emissions of buildings should therefore be taken into account from now onwards, for both new buildings and existing ones when renovated . Buildings are a significant material bank, being repositories for resources over many decades, and the design options largely influence the whole life-cycle emissions both for new buildings and renovations. The whole life-cycle performance of buildings should be taken into account not only in new construction, but also in renovations through the inclusion of policies for the reduction of whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Member States' building renovation plans. The involvement of local and regional authorities in the process of developing these policies is essential to ensure that the transition takes place at all levels.

Reason

Without including existing buildings the climate neutrality objective will be out of reach.

Amendment 3

Recital 8

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Minimizing the whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of buildings requires resource efficiency and circularity. This can also be combined with turning parts of the building stock into a temporary carbon sink. Minimising the whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of buildings requires sufficiency policies that avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water, resource efficiency and circularity. This can also be combined with turning parts of the building stock into a temporary carbon sink. To achieve zero embodied emissions would require reduction, reuse and optimisation of materials, designing carbon sequestering sites and the use of carbon sequestering materials.

Reason

Energy sufficiency is a powerful strategy to achieve climate objectives. Embodied emissions must also be taken into account.

Amendment 4

Recital 9

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The global warming potential over the whole life-cycle indicates the building’s overall contribution to emissions that lead to climate change. It brings together greenhouse gas emissions embodied in construction products with direct and indirect emissions from the use stage. A requirement to calculate the life-cycle global warming potential of new buildings therefore constitutes a first step towards increased consideration of the whole life-cycle performance of buildings and a circular economy. The global warming potential over the whole life-cycle indicates the building’s overall contribution to emissions that lead to climate change. It brings together greenhouse gas emissions embodied in construction products with direct and indirect emissions from the use stage. A requirement to calculate the life-cycle global warming potential of new buildings and existing ones when they undergo renovation therefore constitutes a first step towards increased consideration of the whole life-cycle performance of buildings and a circular economy.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 5

Recital 10

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Buildings are responsible for about half of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2,5 ) emissions in the EU that cause premature death and illness. Improving energy performance of buildings can and should reduce pollutant emissions at the same time, in line with Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and the Council (1). Buildings are responsible for about half of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2,5 ) emissions in the EU that cause premature death and illness. Reducing the demand for energy and materials and improving energy performance of buildings can and should reduce pollutant emissions at the same time, in line with Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and the Council (1) and therefore contributing to the Zero Pollution ambition .

Reason

Adding a more explicit reference to circularity and zero pollution.

Amendment 6

Recital 11

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Measures to improve further the energy performance of buildings should take into account climatic, including adaptation to climate change, local conditions as well as indoor climate environment and cost-effectiveness. Those measures should not affect other requirements concerning buildings such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building. Measures to avoid the demand for energy and materials and to improve further the energy performance of buildings should take into account climatic, including adaptation to climate change, local conditions as well as indoor climate environment and cost-effectiveness which should take into account environmental, societal and health externalities, making the most of measures available at the district level . Those measures should not affect other requirements concerning buildings such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 7

New recital 11

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Sufficiency measures that avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water from buildings should be considered over the life cycle of buildings including at the design phase, the operational phase and the end of life of buildings. These measures should prioritise repurposing unused existing buildings over constructing new ones and the development of compact neighbourhoods over urban sprawl, passive heating and cooling solutions over mechanical ones, reusing construction materials over new ones and better management of existing buildings. Member States, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, should indicate in their building renovation plans sufficiency policies and measures aiming to avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water over the lifecycle of buildings at the design phase, the operational phase and the end of life of buildings.

Reason

Energy sufficiency is a powerful strategy to achieve climate objectives.

Amendment 8

Recital 13

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Member States should set minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings and building elements with a view to achieving the cost-optimal balance between the investments involved and the energy costs saved throughout the lifecycle of the building, without prejudice to the right of Member States to set minimum requirements which are more energy efficient than cost-optimal energy efficiency levels. Provision should be made for the possibility for Member States to review regularly their minimum energy performance requirements for buildings in the light of technical progress. Member States should set minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings and building elements with a view to achieving zero or nearly- zero carbon emission throughout the lifecycle of the building. Climate-positive buildings should also be promoted, in order to ensure the carbon neutrality of the building stock as a whole. A thorough involvement of local and regional authorities is essential in setting these requirements to ensure real and effective reductions .

Reason

Minimum requirement must be aligned with climate neutrality to avoid carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 9

Recital 14

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Two-thirds of the energy used for heating and cooling of buildings still comes from fossil fuels. In order to decarbonise the building sector, it is of particular importance to phase out fossil fuel in heating and cooling. Therefore, Member States should indicate their national policies and measures to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling in their building renovation plans, and no financial incentives should be given for the installation of fossil fuel boilers under the next Multiannual Financial Framework as of 2027 , with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, under the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund. A clear legal basis for the ban of heat generators based on their greenhouse gas emissions or the type of fuel used should support national phase-out policies and measures. Two-thirds of the energy used for heating and cooling of buildings still comes from fossil fuels. In order to decarbonise the building sector, it is of particular importance to phase out fossil fuel in heating and cooling. Therefore, Member States , in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, should indicate their national policies and measures to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling in their building renovation plans, and no financial incentives should be given for the installation of fossil fuel boilers under the next Multiannual Financial Framework as of 2025 , with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, under the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund. A clear legal basis for the ban of heat generators based on their greenhouse gas emissions or the type of fuel used should support national phase-out policies and measures.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 10

Recital 17

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The Commission should lay down a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements. A review of this framework should enable the calculation of both energy and emission performance and should take into account environmental and health externalities, as well as the ETS extension and carbon prices. Member States should use this framework to compare the results with the minimum energy performance requirements which they have adopted. Should significant discrepancies, i.e. exceeding 15 %, exist between the calculated cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements and the minimum energy performance requirements in force, Member States should justify the difference or plan appropriate steps to reduce the discrepancy. […]. The Commission should lay down a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements. A review of this framework should enable the calculation of both energy and emission performance and should be based on the objective of zero-carbon buildings over the life cycle of buildings and take into account environmental and health externalities, as well as the ETS extension and carbon prices. Member States should use this framework to ensure that the minimum energy performance requirements which they have adopted will lead to zero- or nearly-zero carbon emission buildings over the life cycle of buildings . Should significant discrepancies, i.e. exceeding 15 %, exist between the calculated cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements and the minimum energy performance requirements in force, Member States should justify the difference or plan appropriate steps to reduce the discrepancy. […]

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 11

Recital 18

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Major renovations of existing buildings, regardless of their size, provide an opportunity to take cost-effective measures to enhance energy performance. For reasons of cost-effectiveness, it should be possible to limit the minimum energy performance requirements to the renovated parts that are most relevant for the energy performance of the building. Member States should be able to choose to define a ‘major renovation’ either in terms of a percentage of the surface of the building envelope or in terms of the value of the building. If a Member State decides to define a major renovation in terms of the value of the building, values such as the actuarial value, or the current value based on the cost of reconstruction, excluding the value of the land upon which the building is situated, could be used. Major renovations of existing buildings, regardless of their size, provide a unique opportunity to take cost-effective measures to enhance energy performance as they occur once every 25 years in residential buildings and once every 15 years in non-residential ones. This means residential buildings renovated during this decade are unlikely to undergo another major renovation round before 2050, while non-residential buildings may undergo another major renovation round. However, this will increase the overall cost of the renovation of buildings. Therefore, to avoid locking carbon in renovated buildings, Member States should ensure renovated buildings during this decade are renovated to the zero or nearly — zero emission standard calculated over the lifecycle of buildings.

Reason

Minimum requirement must be aligned with climate neutrality to avoid carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 12

Recital 19

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The enhanced climate and energy ambition of the Union requires a new vision for buildings: the zero-emission building, the very low energy demand of which is fully covered by energy from renewable sources where technically feasible. All new buildings should be zero-emission buildings, and all existing buildings should be transformed into zero-emission buildings by 2050. The climate emergency and the enhanced climate and energy ambition of the Union requires a new vision for buildings: the zero-emission building, the very low energy demand of which is fully covered by energy from renewable sources where technically feasible. All new buildings should be zero-emission buildings, and all existing buildings should be renovated during this decade to zero-emission buildings to avoid the carbon lock-in effect by 2050 and to lower the renovation costs .

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 13

Recital 20

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Different options are available to cover the energy needs of an efficient building by energy from renewable sources: on-site renewables such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, heat pumps and biomass, renewable energy provided by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, and district heating and cooling based on renewables or waste heat. Different options are available to cover the energy needs of low-energy demand and efficient building by energy from renewable sources: on-site or grid-supplied renewables such as solar thermal solutions , solar photovoltaics , wind power , heat pumps and biomass, renewable energy provided by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, and district heating and cooling based on renewables or waste heat.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 14

Recital 22

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) are the essential regulatory tool to trigger renovation of existing buildings on a large scale as they tackle the key barriers to renovation such as split incentives and co - ownership structures , which cannot be overcome by economic incentives . The introduction of minimum energy performance standards should lead to a gradual phase out of the worst performing buildings and a continuous improvement of the national buildings stock, contributing to the long-term goal of a decarbonised building stock by 2050. Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) are the essential regulatory tool to trigger renovation of existing buildings on a large scale . In order to ensure that they are fit for purpose and do not contribute to creating a carbon lock - in effect , they need to be set at zero-emission standard: this is based on the assumption that between 2022 and 2050 only one round of major renovation is to be expected, on average . The introduction of minimum energy performance standards should lead to zero- or nearly-zero emission buildings , thus contributing to the long-term goal of a decarbonised building stock by 2050 . Alternative standards should be applied in very specific cases, when zero-emission is not achievable such as, for example, in the case of historic buildings: these standards should still guarantee that best available techniques are applied. Climate-positive buildings should compensate the additional emissions of these less efficient buildings .

Reason

Minimum requirement must be aligned with climate neutrality to avoid carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 15

Recital 24

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment As regards the rest of the national building stock, Member States are free to decide whether they wish to introduce minimum energy performance standards, designed at national level and adapted to national conditions. When reviewing this Directive, the Commission should assess whether further binding minimum energy performance standards need to be introduced in order to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050. Member States are free to decide whether they wish to introduce minimum energy performance and zero- or nearly-zero carbon-emission standards on renovation when national and subnational financial instruments are used. However, when combined with EU financial instruments, requirements on minimum energy performance standard at the UE level on zero or nearly zero-emission buildings would apply in order to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050 .

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 16

New recital 24

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Locally integrated district or neighbourhood approaches are allowing for overall renovation concepts for buildings that are spatially related, for example in terms of energy supply (e.g. housing blocks). The wider use of integrated, participative and district-related approaches is already the core of the Renovation Wave and should be promoted by this directive. Districts (e.g. quarters) and socially vulnerable neighbourhoods can be determined at the discretion of local and regional authorities in the context of this Directive according to local needs and location.

Reason

A district-related approach was described as the core of Renovation Wave. Joint supply of electricity, heat and charging infrastructure in a district or neighbourhood makes it possible to tap synergies and potential energy savings that remain hidden when you only look at the individual building.

Amendment 17

Recital 27

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The Union-wide minimum energy performance standards should be based on harmonised energy performance classes. By defining the lowest energy performance class G as the worst-performing 15 % of each Member State’s national building stock, the harmonisation of energy performance classes ensures similar efforts by all Member States, while the definition of the best energy performance class A ensures the convergence of the harmonised energy performance class scale towards the common vision of zero-emission buildings. The Union-wide minimum energy performance standards for zero-emission buildings should be based on harmonised energy performance classes to ensure similar efforts by all Member States, and the convergence of the harmonised energy performance class scale towards the common vision of zero-emission buildings.

Reason

It is not realistic that renovations will be carried out more than once in the current decade. The amendment aims at ensuring more cost-efficient and effective energy performance results.

Amendment 18

Recital 28

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements were already contained in the predecessors of this Directive and should continue to apply. While the newly introduced minimum energy performance standards set a floor for the minimum energy performance of existing buildings and ensure that renovation of inefficient buildings takes place, minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements ensure the necessary depth of renovation when a renovation takes place. Minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements were already contained in the predecessors of this Directive and should continue to apply if they lead to zero-emission building to avoid locking renovated buildings in carbon.

Reason

Minimum requirement must be aligned with climate neutrality to avoid carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 19

Recital 29

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment To achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050, Member States should establish national building renovation plans, which replace the long-term renovation strategies and become an even stronger, fully operational planning tool for Member States, with a stronger focus on financing and ensuring that appropriately skilled workers are available for carrying out building renovations. In their building renovation plans, Member States should set their own national building renovation targets. In line with Article 21(b)(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the enabling conditions set under Regulation (EU) 2021/60 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1], Member States should provide an outline of financing measures, as well as an outline of the investment needs and the administrative resources for the implementation of their building renovation plans. To achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050, Member States , in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, should establish national building renovation plans, which replace the long-term renovation strategies and become an even stronger, fully operational planning tool for Member States, with a stronger focus on financing and ensuring that appropriately skilled workers are available for carrying out building renovations. In their building renovation plans, Member States should set their own national building renovation targets. In line with Article 21(b)(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the enabling conditions set under Regulation (EU) 2021/60 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1], Member States should provide an outline of financing measures, as well as an outline of the investment needs, the administrative resources for the implementation of their building renovation plans and the measures intended to support the mainstreaming of adaptation and circularity principles in the renovation of the national building stock .

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 20

Recital 32

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Staged renovation can be a solution to address the issues of high upfront costs and hassle for the inhabitants that may occur when renovating ‘in one go’. However, such staged renovation needs to be carefully planned in order to avoid that one renovation step precludes necessary subsequent steps . Renovation passports provide a clear roadmap for staged renovation, helping owners and investors plan the best timing and scope for interventions. Therefore, renovation passports should be made available as a voluntary tool to building owners across all Member States. Staged renovation is not a solution to address the issues of high upfront costs and hassle for the inhabitants that may occur when renovating ‘in one go’. Staged renovation locks buildings in carbon at a high cost for taxpayers while locking low-income households in energy poverty. Addressing the issue of high upfront costs of renovation requires bundling renovation projects and existing financial instruments to reduce the upfront costs by scaling up . Renovation passports should provide a clear roadmap for one-go renovation projects which groups several buildings at the neighbourhood or the city level , helping owners and investors plan the best timing for interventions. Therefore, renovation passports should be made available as a voluntary tool to local and regional authorities across all Member States.

Reason

The proposed ‘staged renovation’ may lead to a lock-in effect that should be avoided.

Amendment 21

Recital 33

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The concept of ‘deep renovation’ has not yet been defined in Union legislation. With a view to achieving the long-term vision for buildings, deep renovation should be defined as a renovation that transforms buildings into zero-emission buildings; in a first step, as a renovation that transforms buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings . This definition serves the purpose of increasing the energy performance of buildings. A deep renovation for energy performance purposes is a prime opportunity to address other aspects such as living conditions of vulnerable households, increasing climate resilience, resilience against disaster risks including seismic resilience, fire safety, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. The concept of ‘deep renovation’ has not yet been defined in Union legislation. With a view to achieving the long-term vision for buildings, deep renovation should be defined as a renovation that transforms buildings into zero-emission buildings in one go . This definition serves the purpose of avoiding locking renovated buildings in carbon through staged renovation which results in low ambition . A deep renovation for zero emission purposes is a prime opportunity to address other aspects such as living conditions of vulnerable households, increasing climate resilience, resilience against disaster risks including seismic resilience, fire safety, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, and accessibility for persons with disabilities

Reason

It is not realistic that renovations will be carried out more than once in the current decade. The amendment aims at ensuring more cost-efficient and effective energy performance results.

Amendment 22

Recital 35

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Member States should support energy performance upgrades of existing buildings that contribute to achieving a healthy indoor environment, including through the removal of asbestos and other harmful substances, preventing the illegal removal of harmful substances, and facilitating compliance with existing legislative acts such as Directives 2009/148/EU (1) and (EU) 2016/2284 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council. Member States and local and regional authorities should support energy performance upgrades that strives to achieve zero-emission building stock and contribute to achieving a healthy indoor environment, including through the removal of asbestos and other harmful substances, preventing the illegal removal of harmful substances, and facilitating compliance with existing legislative acts such as Directives 2009/148/EU (1) and (EU) 2016/2284 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 23

Recital 37

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Combined with an increased share of renewable electricity production, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles constitute an important component of a clean energy transition based on energy efficiency measures, alternative fuels, renewable energy and innovative solutions for the management of energy flexibility. Building codes can be effectively used to introduce targeted requirements to support the deployment of recharging infrastructure in car parks of residential and non-residential buildings. Member States should remove barriers such as split incentives and administrative complications which individual owners encounter when trying to install a recharging point on their parking space. Combined with an increased share of renewable electricity production, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles constitute an important component of a clean energy transition based on energy efficiency measures, alternative fuels, renewable energy and innovative solutions for the management of energy flexibility. Building codes can be effectively used to introduce targeted requirements to support the deployment of recharging infrastructure in car and biking parks of residential and non-residential buildings. Member States should remove barriers such as split incentives and administrative complications which individual owners encounter when trying to install a recharging point on their parking space.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 24

Recital 40

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Promoting green mobility is a key part of the European Green Deal and buildings can play an important role in providing the necessary infrastructure, not only for recharging of electric vehicles but also for bicycles. A shift to soft mobility such as cycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport . As set out in the 2030 Climate Target Plan, increasing the modal shares of clean and efficient private and public transport, such as cycling, will drastically lower pollution from transport and bring major benefits to individual citizens and communities. The lack of bike parking spaces is a major barrier to the uptake of cycling, both in residential and non-residential buildings. Building codes can effectively support the transition to cleaner mobility by establishing requirements for a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces. Promoting green mobility is a key part of the European Green Deal and buildings can play an important role in providing the necessary infrastructure, not only for recharging of electric vehicles but also for bicycles. A shift to soft mobility such as cycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mobility . As set out in the 2030 Climate Target Plan, increasing the modal shares of clean and efficient private and public transport, such as cycling, will drastically lower pollution from mobility and bring major benefits to individual citizens and communities. The lack of bike parking spaces is a major barrier to the uptake of cycling, both in residential and non-residential buildings. Land use and urban planning policies can effectively support the transition to cleaner mobility by establishing requirements for a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 25

Recital 43

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The smart readiness indicator should be used to measure the capacity of buildings to use information and communication technologies and electronic systems to adapt the operation of buildings to the needs of the occupants and the grid and to improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. The smart readiness indicator should raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and should give confidence to occupants about the actual savings of those new enhanced-functionalities. The smart readiness indicator is particularly beneficial for large buildings with high energy demand. For other buildings, the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be optional for Member States. The smart readiness indicator should be used to measure the capacity of buildings to use information and communication technologies and electronic systems to adapt the operation of buildings to the needs of the occupants and the grid and to improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. The smart readiness indicator should raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and should give confidence to occupants about the actual savings of those new enhanced-functionalities. The smart readiness indicator is particularly beneficial for large buildings with high energy demand. For other buildings, the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be optional for Member States. Member States shall ensure adequate training of the technical staff working in local and regional authorities on the subject.

Reason

Capacity building at local and regional level is one of the main barriers to the transformation needed.

Amendment 26

Recital 45

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Union financial instruments should be used to give practical effect to the objectives of this Directive, without however substituting national measures. In particular, due to the scale of the renovation effort needed, they should be used for providing appropriate and innovative means of financing to catalyse investment in energy performance of buildings. They could play an important role in the development of national, regional and local energy efficiency funds, instruments, or mechanisms, which deliver such financing possibilities to private property owners, to small and medium-sized enterprises and to energy efficiency service companies. Union financial instruments should be used to give practical effect to the objectives of this Directive without, however, substituting national measures. In particular, due to the scale of the renovation effort needed, they should be used for providing appropriate and innovative means of financing to catalyse investment in energy performance of buildings. They could play an important role in the development of national, regional and local renovation funds, instruments, or mechanisms, which deliver such financing possibilities to private property owners, to municipalities and local authorities, small and medium-sized enterprises and to energy efficiency service companies.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 27

Recital 47

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Financing alone will not deliver on the renovation needs. Together with financing, setting up accessible and transparent advisory tools and assistance instruments such as one-stop-shops that provide integrated energy renovation services or facilitators , as well as implementing other measures and initiatives such as those referred to in the Commission's Smart Finance for Smart Buildings Initiative, is indispensable to provide the right enabling framework and break barriers to renovation. Financing alone will not deliver on the renovation needs. Together with financing, setting up accessible and transparent advisory tools and assistance instruments such as one-stop-shops that organise and plan the renovation of full neighbourhoods and/or groups of buildings and ensure the construction industry will deliver zero-emission buildings without overestimating the renovation cost , as well as implementing other measures and initiatives aiming at zero-emission buildings is indispensable to provide the right enabling framework and break barriers to renovation. In order to address the current shortage of skilled workers, also within the local and regional departments, significant efforts in building and training adequate skills and capacities will also be needed to ensure a smooth implementation of the process. To this purpose, a formal, specialist, high-quality training plan must be established in the field for staff/technicians working for the various authorities in the Member States that are involved in the various associated processes .

Reason

Adequate skills are crucial for the implementation of the EPBD.

Amendment 28

Recital 48

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Inefficient buildings are often linked to energy poverty and social problems. Vulnerable households are particularly exposed to increasing energy prices as they spend a larger proportion of their budget on energy products. By reducing excessive energy bills, building renovation can lift people out of energy poverty and also prevent it. At the same time, building renovation does not come for free, and it is essential to ensure that the social impact of the costs for building renovation, notably on vulnerable households, is kept in check . The renovation wave should leave no one behind and be seized as an opportunity to improve the situation of vulnerable households, and a fair transition towards climate neutrality should be ensured. […] Inefficient buildings are often linked to energy poverty and social problems. Vulnerable households are particularly exposed to increasing energy prices as they spend a larger proportion of their budget on energy products. Eradicating energy poverty requires renovating buildings to zero or nearly — zero emission standard to drastically reduce energy bills, and ensure that they will be energy producers, whenever possible. Renovating buildings occupied by vulnerable households should be done at no cost for them. EU and national financial instruments should support such renovations. The renovation wave should leave no one behind and be seized as an opportunity to improve the situation of vulnerable households, and a fair transition towards climate neutrality should be ensured. […] The funding and possible guarantees must also specifically cover the new burden on owner-occupiers whose homes, which they have worked hard to pay off over decades, are their old-age pension insurance. Targeting support and guarantees can also facilitate progress and provide incentives here.

Reason

Energy poverty is a very relevant issue and needs a systematic approach aimed at eradicating it. It is difficult for older people to borrow money. It is therefore necessary to offer the relevant groups of people solutions to make the required home investments in order to combat climate change.

Amendment 29

Recital 50

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The monitoring of the building stock is facilitated by the availability of data collected by digital tools, thereby reducing administrative costs. Therefore, national databases for energy performance of buildings should be set up, and the information contained therein should be transferred to the EU Building Stock Observatory. The monitoring of the building stock is facilitated by the availability of data collected by digital tools, thereby reducing administrative costs. Therefore, national databases for GHG emissions and energy performance of buildings should be set up, and the information contained therein should be transferred to the EU Building Stock Observatory.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 30

Recital 52

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Recent years have seen a rise in the number of air-conditioning systems in European countries. That creates considerable problems at peak load times, increasing the cost of electricity and disrupting the energy balance. Priority should be given to strategies which enhance the thermal performance of buildings during the summer period. To that end, there should be focus on measures which avoid overheating, such as shading and sufficient thermal capacity in the building construction, and further development and application of passive cooling techniques, primarily those that improve indoor climatic conditions and the micro-climate around buildings. Recent years have seen a rise in the number of air-conditioning systems (ACS) in European countries and the expected global warming is likely to increase the number of installed ACSs if upfront action to install passive cooling solutions are not considered during this decade . That creates considerable problems at peak load times, increasing the cost of electricity and disrupting the energy balance. Priority should be given to strategies which enhance the thermal performance of buildings during the summer period. To that end, there should be focus on measures which avoid overheating, such as shading and sufficient thermal capacity in the building construction, and further development and application of passive cooling techniques, primarily those that improve indoor climatic conditions and the micro-climate around buildings.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 31

Recital 55

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Since local and regional authorities are critical for the successful implementation of this Directive, they should be consulted and involved, as and when appropriate in accordance with applicable national legislation, on planning issues, the development of programmes to provide information, training and awareness-raising, and on the implementation of this Directive at national or regional level. Such consultations may also serve to promote the provision of adequate guidance to local planners and building inspectors to carry out the necessary tasks. Furthermore, Member States should enable and encourage architects and planners to properly consider the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Since local and regional authorities are essential for the successful implementation of this Directive, they should be consulted and involved, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality and applicable national legislation, on planning issues, the development of programmes to provide information, training and awareness-raising, and on the implementation of this Directive at national or regional and local level. Such consultations should feed into the national Multilevel Energy and Climate Dialogues and may serve to promote the provision of adequate guidance to local planners and building inspectors to carry out the necessary tasks. In this connection, it should be possible, within the framework of this Directive, to respond to the often very disparate conditions of urban areas and rural areas with a high portion of single- and multiple-family homes and varied settlement structure, and to design the specifications in a way that suits each region. Furthermore, Member States and local and regional authorities should enable and encourage architects and planners to properly consider the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency and saving , use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Furthermore, it is essential to promote the use of locally accessible resources and valuable experts in the process of planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Member States have a key role to play in supporting local and regional authorities in this endeavour.

Reason

The use of locally available resources and experts further contributes to mitigating the negative effects on the climate.

Amendment 32

Article 1

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Subject matter Subject matter 1. This Directive promotes the improvement of the energy performance of buildings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings within the Union, with a view to achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050 taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements and cost-effectiveness. 1. This Directive promotes energy and materials demand reduction over the lifecycle of buildings, the improvement of the energy performance of buildings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings within the Union, with a view to achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050 taking into account , outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements, environmental protection, pollution reduction and cost-effectiveness which should take into account environmental, societal and health externalities. This will also contribute significantly to improve Europe's energy security . 2. This Directive lays down requirements as regards: 2. This Directive lays down requirements as regards: (a) the common general framework for a methodology for calculating the integrated energy performance of buildings and building units; (a) the common general framework for a methodology for calculating the integrated energy performance of buildings and building units to make them zero or nearly-zero — GHG-emissions ; (b) the application of minimum requirements to the energy performance of new buildings and new building units; (b) the application of minimum requirements to the energy performance of new buildings and new building units; (c) the application of minimum requirements to the energy performance of: (c) the application of minimum requirements to the energy performance of: (i) existing buildings and building units that are subject to major renovation; (i) existing buildings and building units that are subject to major renovation to become zero or nearly-zero GHG-emissions ; (ii) building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are retrofitted or replaced; (ii) building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are retrofitted or replaced; (iii) technical building systems whenever they are installed, replaced or upgraded; (iii) technical building systems whenever they are installed, replaced or upgraded; (d) the application of minimum energy performance standards to existing buildings and existing building units; (d) the application of minimum energy performance standards to existing buildings and existing building units to make them zero or nearly-zero GHG-emissions; (e) renovation passports; (e) renovation passports; (f) national building renovation plans; (f) national building renovation plans; (g) sustainable mobility infrastructure in and adjacent to buildings; and (g) sustainable mobility infrastructure in and adjacent to buildings; and (h) smart buildings; (h) smart buildings; (i) energy performance certification of buildings or building units; (i) energy performance certification of buildings or building units; (j) regular inspection of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in buildings; (j) regular inspection of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in buildings; (k) independent control systems for energy performance certificates, renovation passports, smart readiness indicators and inspection reports. (k) independent control systems for energy performance certificates, renovation passports, smart readiness indicators and inspection reports. 3. The requirements laid down in this Directive are minimum requirements and shall not prevent any Member State from maintaining or introducing more stringent measures. Such measures shall be compatible with the TFEU. They shall be notified to the Commission. 3. The requirements laid down in this Directive are minimum requirements and shall not prevent any Member State from maintaining or introducing more stringent measures. Such measures shall be compatible with the TFEU. They shall be notified to the Commission.

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 33

Article 2.2

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment ‘zero-emission building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by energy from renewable sources generated on-site, from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED] or from a district heating and cooling system, in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex III; ‘zero-emission building’ means a building with very low energy and materials demand over the lifecycle of buildings, a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by energy from renewable sources generated on-site or provided through the grid , from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], from a district heating and cooling system, in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex III or through distributed grid-based renewables ; ‘climate-positive building’ means a building with very low energy and materials demand over the lifecycle of buildings, a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the energy production at the building or designated to the building exceeds its energy demand.

Reason

Adding circularity, district heating, the concept of climate-positive building and the criteria of entire lifecycle of buildings.

Amendment 34

Article 2.3

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment ‘nearly zero-energy building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, which cannot be lower than the 2023 cost-optimal level reported by Member States in accordance with Article 6(2) and where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby; ‘nearly zero-energy building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, which cannot be lower than the 2023 cost-optimal level reported by Member States in accordance with Article 6(2) and where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy demand is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby or through recovered waste energy;

Reason

Energy performance is a relative indicator while low energy demand is an absolute target.

Amendment 35

Article 2.4

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment ‘minimum energy performance standards’ means rules that require existing buildings to meet an energy performance requirement as part of a wide renovation plan for a building stock or at a trigger point on the market (sale or rent), in a period of time or by a specific date, thereby triggering renovation of existing buildings ; ‘minimum energy performance standards’ means rules that require existing buildings to meet an energy performance requirement that makes zero- or nearly-zero GHG emissions buildings part of a wide renovation plan for a building stock when renovated by 2032 ;

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 36

Article 2.46

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment 46. ‘reference floor area’ means the floor area used as reference size for the assessment of the energy performance of a building, calculated as the sum of the useful floor areas of the spaces within the building envelope specified for the energy performance assessment; 46. ‘reference floor area’ means the floor area used as reference size for the assessment of the energy performance of a building, calculated as the sum of the useful floor areas of the spaces within the building envelope and surfaces occupied by energy-consuming infrastructure managed within the building specified for the energy performance assessment;

Reason

To include in the definition of ‘reference floor area’ infrastructure that belongs to buildings and consumes energy, such as sports infrastructure, swimming pools, etc.

Amendment 37

Article 2.57 new

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment ‘Sufficiency’ is a set of measures and daily practices that avoid the demand for energy, materials, land and water while delivering human wellbeing for all within the planetary boundaries .

Reason

Energy sufficiency is a powerful strategy to achieve climate objectives.

Amendment 38

Article 3.1

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment 1. Each Member State shall establish a national building renovation plan to ensure the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective to transform existing buildings into zero-emission buildings. Each building renovation plan shall encompass: Each Member State shall establish a national building renovation plan to ensure the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective to transform existing buildings into zero-emission buildings. The EU should provide Member States, regions and cities with all the necessary tools to develop these plans. Each building renovation plan shall encompass: (a) an overview of the national building stock for different building types, construction periods and climatic zones, based, as appropriate, on statistical sampling and the national database for energy performance certificates pursuant to Article 19, an overview of market barriers and market failures and an overview of the capacities in the construction, energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors; (a) an overview of the national building stock for different building types, construction periods and climatic zones, based, as appropriate, on statistical sampling and the national database for energy performance certificates pursuant to Article 19, an overview of market barriers and market failures and an overview of the capacities in the construction, energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors; (b) a roadmap with nationally established targets and measurable progress indicators, with a view to the 2050 climate neutrality goal, in order to ensure a highly energy efficient and decarbonised national building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050; (b) national targets for circular use of materials and sufficiency; (c) an overview of implemented and planned policies and measures, supporting the implementation of the roadmap pursuant to point (b); and (c) a roadmap with nationally established targets and measurable progress indicators, with a view to the 2050 climate neutrality goal, in order to ensure a highly energy efficient and decarbonised national building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050; (d) an outline of the investment needs for the implementation of the building renovation plan, the financing sources and measures, and the administrative resources for building renovation. ( d ) an overview of implemented and planned policies and measures including sufficiency policies, which may be based on locally integrated district or neighbourhood concepts , supporting the implementation of the roadmap pursuant to point ( c ); and ( e ) an outline of the investment needs for the implementation of the building renovation plan, the financing sources and measures, and the administrative resources for building renovation. The roadmap referred to in point (b) shall include national targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050 as regards the annual energy renovation rate, the primary and final energy consumption of the national building stock and its operational greenhouse gas emission reductions; specific timelines for buildings to achieve higher energy performance classes than those pursuant to Article 9(1), by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings; an evidence-based estimate of expected energy savings and wider benefits […] The roadmap referred to in point ( c ) shall include national targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050 as regards the annual energy renovation rate, the primary and final energy consumption of the national building stock and its operational greenhouse gas emission reductions; specific timelines for buildings to achieve higher energy performance classes than those pursuant to Article 9(1), by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings; an evidence-based estimate of expected energy savings , emissions reduction and wider benefits , on the basis of locally integrated district or neighbourhood concepts […]

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 39

Article 3.4

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment 4. The Commission shall assess the national draft building renovation plans, in particular whether: 4. The Commission shall assess the national draft building renovation plans, in particular whether: (a) the level of ambition of the nationally established targets is sufficient and in line with the national commitments on climate and energy laid down in the national integrated energy and climate plans; (a) the level of ambition of the nationally established targets is sufficient and will lead to decarbonised building stock by 2050 in line with the national commitments on climate and energy laid down in the national integrated energy and climate plans; (b) the policies and measures are sufficient to achieve the nationally established targets; (b) the policies and measures are sufficient to achieve the nationally established targets and do not lock renovated buildings in carbon ; (c) the allocation of budgetary and administrative resources is sufficient for the implementation of the plan; (c) the allocation of budgetary and administrative resources is sufficient for the implementation of the plan; (d) the public consultation pursuant to paragraph 3 has been sufficiently inclusive; and (d) the public consultation pursuant to paragraph 3 has been sufficiently inclusive; and (e) the plans comply with the requirements of paragraph 1 and the template in Annex II. After consulting the Committee established by Article 30, the Commission may issue country-specific recommendations to Member States in accordance with Article 9(2) and Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. With regard to the first draft building renovation plan, the Commission may issue country-specific recommendations to Member States no later than six months after the Member State has submitted that plan. (e) the plans comply with the requirements of paragraph 1 and the template in Annex II. After consulting the Committee established by Article 30, the Commission may issue country-specific recommendations to Member States in accordance with Article 9(2) and Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. With regard to the first draft building renovation plan, the Commission may issue country-specific recommendations to Member States no later than six months after the Member State has submitted that plan.

Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 40

Article 5.1

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Setting of minimum energy performance requirements Setting of minimum energy performance requirements 1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements for buildings or building units are set with a view to at least achieving cost-optimal levels. The energy performance shall be calculated in accordance with the methodology referred to in Article 4. Cost-optimal levels shall be calculated in accordance with the comparative methodology framework referred to in Article 6. 1. Member States , in cooperation with local and regional authorities, shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements for buildings or building units are set in line with the pathway for making the national building stock become climate neutral by 2050 . The energy performance shall be calculated in accordance with the methodology referred to in Article 4. Zero - emission standard shall be calculated in accordance with the comparative methodology framework referred to in Article 6. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements are set for building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are replaced or retrofitted, with a view to achieving at least cost-optimal levels . Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements are set for building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are replaced or retrofitted, with a view to achieving zero - emission standard . When setting requirements, Member States may differentiate between new and existing buildings and between different categories of buildings. Those requirements shall take account of general indoor climate conditions, in order to avoid possible negative effects such as inadequate ventilation, as well as local conditions and the designated function and the age of the building. Member States shall review their minimum energy performance requirements at regular intervals which shall not be longer than five years and shall, if necessary, update them in order to reflect technical progress in the building sector, the results of the cost-optimal calculation set out in Article 6, and updated national energy and climate targets and policies. When setting requirements, Member States may differentiate between new and existing buildings and between different categories of buildings. Those requirements shall take account of the need for appropriate indoor environmental quality conditions as well as local conditions and the designated function and the age of the building. These local conditions should be considered by region, not at national level, as they can often vary from one municipality to another.

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 41

Article 6.1

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Calculation of cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 concerning a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings and building elements. By 30 June 2026, the Commission shall revise the comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements in existing buildings undergoing major renovation and for individual building elements. […] Calculation of cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 concerning a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings and building elements. By 30 June 2026, the Commission shall replace the comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements in existing buildings undergoing major renovation and for individual building elements by a methodology to calculate minimum energy performance standard to deliver on zero and nearly-zero emission buildings . […]

Reason

The cost-optimum methodology is an important tool to assess what Member States are doing.

Amendment 42

Article 7

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment 1. Member States shall ensure that from the following dates, new buildings are zero-emission buildings in accordance with Annex III: 1. Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall ensure that from the following dates, new buildings are zero-emission buildings in accordance with Annex III: (a) as of 1 January 2027, new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities; and (a) as of 1 January 2027, new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities; and (b) as of 1 January 2030, all new buildings; (b) as of 1 January 2030, all new buildings; (c) as of 1 January 2030, for existing buildings when EU funding is used for their renovation. Until the application of the requirements under the first subparagraph, Member States shall ensure that all new buildings are at least nearly zero-energy buildings and meet the minimum energy performance requirements laid down in accordance with Article 5. Until the application of the requirements under the first subparagraph, Member States shall ensure that all new buildings are at least nearly zero-energy buildings and meet the minimum energy performance requirements laid down in accordance with Article 5. 2. Member States shall ensure that the life-cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) is calculated in accordance with Annex III and disclosed through the energy performance certificate of the building: 2. Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall ensure that the life-cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) is calculated in accordance with Annex III and disclosed through the energy performance certificate of the building: (a) as of 1 January 2027, for all new buildings with a useful floor area larger than 2 000 square meters; and (a) as of 1 January 2027, for all new buildings with a useful floor area larger than 2 000 square meters; and (b) as of 1 January 2030, for all new buildings. (b) as of 1 January 2030, for all new buildings. 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 to supplement this Directive in order to adapt Annex III to technological progress and innovation, to set adapted maximum energy performance thresholds in Annex III to renovated buildings and to adapt the maximum energy performance thresholds for zero-emission buildings. 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 to supplement this Directive in order to adapt Annex III to technological progress and innovation, to set the zero and nearly-zero emission building standards for Member States and develop requirements on low-carbon and renewable sources of supplied energy and life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) for zero-emission buildings. 4. Member States shall address, in relation to new buildings, the issues of healthy indoor climate conditions, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Member States shall also address carbon removals associated to carbon storage in or on buildings. 4. Member States , in cooperation with local and regional authorities, shall address, in relation to new buildings, the issues of healthy indoor climate conditions, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Member States shall also address carbon removals associated to carbon storage in or on buildings. Article 7a New European Bauhaus 1. Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall ensure that developers of building renovation projects receive information about the objectives and involvement opportunities in the New European Bauhaus initiative, at the moment of seeking advice, applying for funding and when introducing permits. 2. Member States shall empower local and regional authorities to develop dedicated support instruments for reference buildings according to Annex VII of this Directive that are culturally enriching, sustainable and inclusive in line with the New European Bauhaus. Instruments may encompass financial schemes for renovations showcasing how individual buildings or whole neighbourhoods can be transformed into zero-emission buildings and districts in an affordable, sustainable and socially inclusive way, while maximising wider benefits, in a participatory and bottom-up approach. 3. Member States shall put in place national industrial policies for the largescale production of locally adaptable prefabricated building elements for building renovation that provide different functions, including aesthetics, insulation energy generation, and green infrastructures, and promote biodiversity, water management, accessibility and mobility .

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 43

Article 8

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Existing buildings Existing buildings 1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that when buildings undergo major renovation, the energy performance of the building or the renovated part thereof is upgraded in order to meet minimum energy performance requirements set in accordance with Article 5 in so far as that is technically, functionally and economically feasible. Those requirements shall be applied to the renovated building or building unit as a whole. Additionally or alternatively, requirements may be applied to the renovated building elements. 1. Member States , in cooperation with local and regional authorities, shall take the necessary measures to ensure that when buildings undergo major renovation, the energy performance of the building or the renovated part thereof is upgraded in order to meet zero-emission standards set in accordance with Article 5 in so far as that is technically, functionally and economically feasible. Those requirements shall be applied to the renovated building or building unit as a whole. Additionally or alternatively, requirements may be applied to the renovated building elements or to integrated districts and neighbourhoods. 2. Member States shall in addition take the necessary measures to ensure that when a building element that forms part of the building envelope and has a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope, is retrofitted or replaced, the energy performance of the building element meets minimum energy performance requirements in so far as that is technically, functionally and economically feasible . 2. Member States , in cooperation with local and regional authorities, shall in addition take the necessary measures to ensure that when a building element that forms part of the building envelope and has a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope, is retrofitted or replaced, the energy performance of the building element meets minimum energy performance requirements in so far as that is technically and functionally delivering zero- or nearly-zero emission buildings 3. Member States shall encourage , in relation to buildings undergoing major renovation, high-efficiency alternative systems, in so far as that is technically, functionally and economically feasible. Member States shall address, in relation to buildings undergoing major renovation, the issues of healthy indoor climate conditions, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos and accessibility for persons with disabilities. 3. Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall ensure , in relation to buildings undergoing major renovation, that the deployment of high-efficiency alternative systems is encouraged , in so far as that is technically, functionally and economically feasible and promote the use of locally accessible resources . Member States shall ensure major building renovations address the issues of healthy indoor environmental quality conditions, high capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change though inter alia green infrastructures, carbon removals and carbon storage , adhere to fire safety standards , mitigate risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities , while ensuring an appropriate allocation of fiscal incentive measures and dedicated funding instruments .

Reason

The objective of the EPBD needs to be aligned with climate neutrality by 2050.

Amendment 44

Article 9

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Minimum energy performance standards Minimum energy performance standards 1. Member States shall ensure that 1. Member States, in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall ensure that (a) buildings and building units owned by public bodies achieve at the latest (a) buildings and building units owned by public bodies achieve at the latest (i) after 1 January 2027, at least energy performance class F; and (i) after 1 January 2027, at least energy performance class F; and (ii) after 1 January 2030, at least energy performance class E; (b) non-residential buildings and building units, other than those owned by public bodies, achieve at the latest (b) non-residential buildings and building units, other than those owned by public bodies, achieve at the latest (i) after 1 January 2027, at least energy performance class F; and (i) after 1 January 2027, at least energy performance class F; and (ii) after 1 January 2030, at least energy performance class E; (c) residential buildings and building units achieve at the latest (c) residential buildings and building units achieve at the latest (i) after 1 January 2030, at least energy performance class F; and (i) after 1 January 2030, at least energy performance class F; (ii) after 1 January 2033, at least energy performance class E; Member States may require an extension of the deadline set in this paragraph, if justified and requested to the European Commission and in accordance with the national building renovation plan referred to in Article 3(1)(a), with regards to specific parts of their building stock. In their roadmap referred to in Article 3(1)(b), Member States shall establish specific timelines for the buildings referred to in this paragraph to achieve higher energy performance classes by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings. In their roadmap referred to in Article 3(1)(b), Member States shall establish specific planning to renovate all buildings to zero or nearly zero- emission standard and ensure the overall building stock is decarbonised by 2050. Member States may also apply locally integrated district or neighbourhood approaches, ensuring that all buildings on average meet the zero-carbon standards. For buildings of historical merit, the date shall be determined by the Member State on the basis of technical and feasibility assessments. Their emissions should be compensated through the promotion of climate-positive buildings and expanding the production of renewable energy supplied by the grid . 2. In addition to the minimum energy performance standards established pursuant to paragraph 1, each Member State may establish minimum energy performance standards for the renovation of all other existing buildings. Where established, the minimum energy performance standards shall be designed with a view to the national roadmap and the 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets contained in the Member State's building renovation plan and to the transformation of the national building stock into zero-emission buildings by 2050. 2. In accordance with Article 15, Member States and local and regional authorities shall support compliance with zero-emission standards by all the following measures: (a) providing appropriate financial measures, in particular those targeting vulnerable low- and medium-income households, people affected by energy poverty or living in social housing, in line with Article 22 of Directive (EU) …/…. [recast EED] and in order to address market barriers ; (b) providing technical assistance, including through one-stop-shops; (c) designing integrated financing schemes; (d) removing non-economic barriers, including split incentives; and (e) monitoring social impacts, in particular on the most vulnerable. (f) repurposing unused buildings and adapting them to today's needs (g) setting the framework to ensure that there is a sufficient workforce with the appropriate level of skills to allow for the timely implementation of the requirements. 3. In accordance with Article 15, Member States shall support compliance with minimum energy performance standards by all the following measures: 3. Where a building is renovated in order to comply with a zero-emission standard, Member States shall ensure compliance with the minimum energy performance requirements for building elements pursuant to Article 5 and, in case of major renovation, with the zero-emission requirements for existing buildings pursuant to Article 8. (a) providing appropriate financial measures, in particular those targeting vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty or living in social housing, in line with Article 22 of Directive (EU) …/…. [recast EED]; (b) providing technical assistance, including through one-stop-shops; (c) designing integrated financing schemes; (d) removing non-economic barriers, including split incentives; and (e) monitoring social impacts, in particular on the most vulnerable. 4. Where a building is renovated in order to comply with a minimum energy performance standard, Member States shall ensure compliance with the minimum energy performance requirements for building elements pursuant to Article 5 and, in case of major renovation, with the minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings pursuant to Article 8. 4. Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities may decide not to apply the zero-emission standards referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 to the following categories of buildings: (a) buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit, in so far as compliance with the standards would unacceptably alter their character or appearance; (b) buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities; (c) temporary buildings with a time of use of two years or less, industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand and non-residential agricultural buildings which are used by a sector covered by a national sectoral agreement on energy performance; (d) residential buildings which are used or intended to be used for either less than four months of the year or, alternatively, for a limited annual time of use and with an expected energy consumption of less than 25 % of what would be the result of all-year use; (e) stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m2. The above-mentioned buildings will still have to be renovated with a view to reducing as much as possible their carbon footprint and avoid hindering the achievement of the overall target of climate neutrality. 5. Member States may decide not to apply the minimum energy performance standards referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 to the following categories of buildings: 5 . Member States in cooperation with local and regional authorities shall take the measures necessary to ensure the implementation of minimum energy performance standards referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, including appropriate monitoring mechanisms and penalties in accordance with Article 31. (a) buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit, in so far as compliance with the standards would unacceptably alter their character or appearance; (b) buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities; (c) temporary buildings with a time of use of two years or less, industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand and non-residential agricultural buildings which are used by a sector covered by a national sectoral agreement on energy performance; (d) residential buildings which are used or intended to be used for either less than four months of the year or, alternatively, for a limited annual time of use and with an expected energy consumption of less than 25 % of what would be the result of all-year use; (e) stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m2. 6. Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure the implementation of minimum energy performance standards referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, including appropriate monitoring mechanisms and penalties in accordance with Article 31.

Reason

Minimum requirement must be aligned with climate neutrality to avoid carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 45

Article 10

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Renovation passport Renovation passport 1. By 31 December 2023, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 supplementing this Directive by establishing a common European framework for renovation passports, based on the criteria set out in paragraph 2. 1. By 31 December 2023, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 supplementing this Directive by establishing a common European framework for renovation passports, based on the criteria set out in paragraph 2. 2. By 31 December 2024, Member States shall introduce a scheme of renovation passports based on the common framework established in accordance with paragraph 1. 2. By 31 December 2024, Member States shall introduce a scheme of renovation passports based on the common framework established in accordance with paragraph 1. 3. The renovation passport shall comply with the following requirements: 3. The renovation passport shall comply with the following requirements: (a) it shall be issued by a qualified and certified expert, following an on-site visit; (a) it shall be issued by a qualified and certified expert, following an on-site visit; (b) it shall comprise a renovation roadmap indicating a sequence of renovation steps building upon each other, with the objective to transform the building into a zero-emission building by 2050 at the latest ; (b) it shall comprise a clear renovation roadmap for one-go renovation projects which bundle several buildings at the neighbourhood or city level to help local authorities identify the best timing to renovate each neighbourhood and to prioritise neighbourhoods to renovate first; (c) it shall indicate the expected benefits in terms of energy savings, savings on energy bills and operational greenhouse emission reductions as well as wider benefits related to health and comfort and the improved adaptive capacity of the building to climate change; and (c) it shall indicate the expected benefits in terms of energy savings, savings on energy bills and operational greenhouse emission reductions as well as wider benefits related to health and comfort and the improved adaptive capacity of the building to climate change; and (d) it shall contain information about potential financial and technical support. (d) it shall contain information about potential financial and technical support.

Reason

Staged renovation risks to lead to inefficient renovation strategies and to carbon lock-in effect.

Amendment 46

Article 12

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Infrastructure for sustainable mobility Infrastructure for sustainable mobility 1. With regard to new non-residential buildings and non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure: 1. With regard to new residential and non-residential buildings and residential and non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure: (a) the installation of at least one recharging point (a) the installation of at least one recharging point (b) the installation of pre-cabling for every parking space to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for electric vehicles; and (b) the installation of pre-cabling for every parking space to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for electric vehicles and bikes ; and (c) at least one bicycle parking space for every car parking space; (c) at least two bicycle parking space for every car parking space (with the assumption that each car is used at least by two people) ; Where the car park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car park or the electrical infrastructure of the car park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned so as to enable the simultaneous use of the expected number of recharging points. By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, point (a), for new office buildings and office buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every two parking spaces. Where the car and the bicycle park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car and bicycle park or the electrical infrastructure of the car and bicycle park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned so as to enable the simultaneous use of the expected number of recharging points. By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, point (a), for new office buildings and office buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every two parking spaces. 2. With regard to all non-residential buildings with more than twenty parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every ten parking spaces, and at least one bicycle parking space for every car parking space, by 1 January 2027. In case of buildings owned or occupied by public authorities, Member States shall ensure pre-cabling for at least one in two parking spaces by 1 January 2033. 2. With regard to all non-residential buildings with more than twenty parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every ten parking spaces, and at least one bicycle parking space for every car parking space, by 1 January 2027. In case of buildings owned or occupied by public authorities, Member States shall ensure pre-cabling for at least one in two parking spaces by 1 January 2033. 3. Member States may adjust requirements for the number of bicycle parking spaces in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 for specific categories of non-residential buildings where bicycles are typically less used as a means of transport. 3. Member States may adjust requirements for the number of bicycle parking spaces in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 for specific categories of non-residential buildings where bicycles are typically less used as a means of transport. 4. With regard to new residential buildings and residential buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than three parking spaces, Member States shall ensure: 4. With regard to new residential buildings and residential buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than three parking spaces, Member States shall ensure: (a) the installation of pre-cabling for every parking space to enable the installation, at a later stage, of recharging points for electric vehicles;, and (a) the installation of pre-cabling for every parking space to enable the installation, at a later stage, of recharging points for electric vehicles and bicycles , and (b) at least two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling. Where the car park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car park or the electrical infrastructure of the car park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned to enable the simultaneous use of recharging points on all parking spaces. (b) at least two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling. Where, in the case of major renovation, ensuring two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling is not feasible, Member States shall ensure as many bicycle parking spaces as appropriate. Where the car park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car park or the electrical infrastructure of the car park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned to enable the simultaneous use of recharging points on all parking spaces. Where, in the case of major renovation, ensuring two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling is not feasible, Member States shall ensure as many bicycle parking spaces as appropriate. 5. Member States may decide not to apply paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 to specific categories of buildings where the pre-cabling required would rely on micro isolated systems or the buildings are situated in the outermost regions within the meaning of Article 349 TFEU, if this would lead to substantial problems for the operation of the local energy system and would endanger the stability of the local grid. 5. Member States may decide not to apply paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 to specific categories of buildings where the pre-cabling required would rely on micro isolated systems or the buildings are situated in the outermost regions within the meaning of Article 349 TFEU, if this would lead to substantial problems for the operation of the local energy system and would endanger the stability of the local grid. 6. Member States shall ensure that the recharging points referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 are capable of smart charging and, where appropriate, bidirectional charging, and that they are operated based on non-proprietary and non-discriminatory communication protocols and standards, in an interoperable manner, and in compliance with any legal standards and protocols in the delegated acts adopted pursuant to Article 19(6) and Article 19(7) of Regulation (EU) …/… [AFIR]. 6. Member States shall ensure that the recharging points referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 are capable of smart charging and, where appropriate, bidirectional charging, and that they are operated based on non-proprietary and non-discriminatory communication protocols and standards, in an interoperable manner, and in compliance with any legal standards and protocols in the delegated acts adopted pursuant to Article 19(6) and Article 19(7) of Regulation (EU) …/… [AFIR]. 7. Member States shall encourage that operators of non-publicly accessible recharging points operate them in accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) …/…. [AFIR], where applicable. 7. Member States shall encourage that operators of non-publicly accessible recharging points operate them in accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) …/…. [AFIR], where applicable. 8. Member States shall provide for measures in order to simplify the deployment of recharging points in new and existing residential and non-residential buildings and remove regulatory barriers, including permitting and approval procedures, without prejudice to the property and tenancy law of the Member States. Member States shall remove barriers to the installation of recharging points in residential buildings with parking spaces, in particular the need to obtain consent from the landlord or co-owners for a private recharging point for own use. Member States shall ensure the availability of technical assistance for building owners and tenants wishing to install recharging points. 8. Member States should support local and regional authorities in implementing measures in order to simplify the deployment of recharging points in new and existing residential and non-residential buildings and remove regulatory barriers, including permitting and approval procedures, without prejudice to the property and tenancy law of the Member States. Member States shall remove barriers to the installation of recharging points in residential buildings with parking spaces, in particular the need to obtain consent from the landlord or co-owners for a private recharging point for own use. Member States shall ensure the availability of technical assistance for building owners and tenants wishing to install recharging points. 9. Member States shall ensure the coherence of policies for buildings, soft and green mobility and urban planning. 9. Member States shall ensure the coherence of policies for buildings, soft and green mobility and urban planning. 10. Member States should provide support to local and regional authorities in the design of zero emission land use and urban planning policies .

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 47

Article 13.4

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment The Commission shall, by 31 December 2025, and after having consulted the relevant stakeholders, adopt an implementing act detailing the technical modalities for the effective implementation of the application of the scheme referred to in paragraph 2 to non-residential buildings with an effective rated output for heating systems, or systems for combined heating and ventilation of over 290 kW. The Commission shall, by 31 December 2025, and after having consulted the relevant stakeholders, adopt an implementing act detailing the technical modalities for the effective implementation of the application of the scheme referred to in paragraph 2 to non-residential buildings with an effective rated output for heating and cooling systems, or systems for combined heating and ventilation of over 290 kW.

Reason

Self-evident.

Amendment 48

Article 14.1

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment 1. Member States shall ensure that the building owners, tenants and managers can have direct access to their building systems' data. At their request, the access or data shall be made available to a third party. Member States shall facilitate the full interoperability of services and of data exchange within the Union in accordance with paragraph 6. For the purpose of this Directive, building systems data shall include at least all data related to the energy performance of building elements, the energy performance of building services, building automation and control systems, meters and charging points for e-mobility. 1. Member States shall ensure that the building owners, tenants and managers can have direct access to the respective building systems' data. Upon request , with reasons given, and subject to the agreement of the owners , the access or data shall be made available to a third party. Member States shall facilitate the full interoperability of services and of data exchange within the Union in accordance with paragraph 6. For the purpose of this Directive, building systems data shall include at least all data related to the energy performance of building elements, the energy performance of building services, building automation and control systems, meters and charging points for e-mobility.

Reason

To ensure respect for personal data and to understand why the third parties need to access this highly personal data.

Amendment 49

Article 15

Text proposed by the European Commission CoR amendment Financial incentives and market barriers Financial incentives and market barriers 1. Member States shall provide appropriate financing, support measures and other instruments able to address market barriers and stimulate the necessary investments in energy renovations in line with their national building renovation plan and with a view to the transformation of their building stock into zero-emission buildings by 2050. 1. By latest … [one year before the Directive’s transposition deadline] the Commission shall propose (a) an EU Regulation enabling the EIB to guarantee access for all EPC ‘G’ and ‘F’ level EU homeowners and micro-and-small enterprises to cost-effective, long- term funding for deep home and microenterprise renovations via retail banks offering unified EU Renovation Loans backed with public guarantees and linked to the buildings’ value