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
Date: 2022-06-30
Institutions: Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy, European Committee of the Regions
Subjects: EU energy policy, building, building services, energy consumption, energy efficiency, energy saving, environmental standard, improvement of housing, reduction of gas emissions, technological change




C_2022375EN.01006401.xml










30.9.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 375/64






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. (b) adaptations to EU Structural Funding rules requiring a substantially greater share of the funding to be invested in EPC ‘G’ and ‘F’ level renovation.










2
.   Member States shall take appropriate regulatory measures to remove non-economic barriers to building renovation. With regard to buildings with more than one building unit, such measures may include removing unanimity requirements in co-ownership structures, or allowing co-ownership structures to be direct recipients of financial support.






2.
   Member States shall 
bundle existing
 financing 
and provide adequate
 support measures and other instruments able 
to local and regional authorities
 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.








3
.   Member States shall make best cost-effective use of national financing and financing available established at Union level, in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Social Climate Fund, cohesion policy funds, InvestEU, auctioning revenues from emission trading pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC [amended ETS] and other public funding sources.






3
.   Member States shall take appropriate regulatory measures to remove non-economic barriers to building renovation. With regard to buildings with more than one building unit, such measures may include removing unanimity requirements in co-ownership structures, or allowing co-ownership structures to be direct recipients of financial support.








4
.   To support the mobilisation of investments, Member States shall promote the roll-out of enabling funding and financial tools, such as energy efficiency loans and mortgages for building renovation, energy performance contracting, fiscal incentives, on-tax schemes, on-bill schemes, guarantee funds, funds targeting deep renovations, funds targeting renovations with a significant minimum threshold of targeted energy savings and mortgage portfolio standards. They shall guide investments into an energy efficient public building stock, in line with Eurostat guidance on the recording of Energy Performance Contracts in government accounts.






4
.   Member States 
and the EU
 shall make best cost-effective use of national financing and financing available established at Union level, in particular 
to bundle
 the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Social Climate Fund, cohesion policy funds, InvestEU, auctioning revenues from emission trading pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC [amended ETS] and other public funding sources
. Member States and the EU should simplify procedures for bundling existing finance at local and regional levels
.








5
.   Member States shall facilitate the aggregation of projects to enable 
investor access as well as
 packaged solutions for 
potential clients
. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that energy efficiency lending products for building renovations are offered widely and in a non-discriminatory manner by financial institutions and are visible and accessible to consumers. Member States shall ensure that banks and other financial institutions and investors receive information on opportunities to participate in the financing of the improvement of energy performance of buildings.






5
.   To support the mobilisation of investments, Member States shall promote the roll-out of enabling funding and financial tools, such as energy efficiency loans and mortgages for building renovation, energy performance contracting, fiscal incentives, on-tax schemes, on-bill schemes, guarantee funds, funds targeting deep renovations, funds targeting renovations with a significant minimum threshold of targeted energy savings and mortgage portfolio standards. They shall guide investments into an energy efficient public building stock, in line with Eurostat guidance on the recording of Energy Performance Contracts in government accounts.








6
.   Member States shall ensure the establishment of technical assistance facilities, including through one-stop-shops, targeting all actors involved in building renovations, including home owners and administrative, financial and economic actors, including small- and medium-sized enterprises.






6
.   Member States shall facilitate the aggregation of projects 
and bundling existing finance
 to enable 
local and regional authorities to bundle renovation projects and make them attractive to investors through
 packaged 
financing
 solutions for 
grouped buildings to renovate
. Member States shall adopt measures to ensure that energy efficiency lending products for building renovations are offered widely and in a non-discriminatory manner by financial institutions and are visible and accessible to consumers. Member States shall ensure that banks and other financial institutions and investors receive information on opportunities to participate in the financing of the improvement of energy performance of buildings.








7
.   Member States shall put in place measures and financing to promote education and training to ensure that there is a sufficient workforce with the appropriate level of skills corresponding to the needs in the building sector.






7
.   Member States shall ensure the establishment of technical assistance facilities, including through one-stop-shops, targeting all actors involved in building renovations, including home owners and administrative, financial and economic actors, including small- and medium-sized enterprises.








8
.   The Commission shall, where appropriate, assist upon request Member States in setting up national or regional financial support programmes with the aim of 
increasing the energy performance
 of buildings, especially of existing buildings, by supporting the exchange of best practice between the responsible national or regional authorities or bodies.






8
.   Member States shall put in place measures and financing to promote education and training to ensure that there is a sufficient workforce with the appropriate level of skills corresponding to the needs in the building sector.








9
.   Member States shall link their financial measures for 
energy performance improvements
 in the renovation of buildings to 
the targeted or
 achieved 
energy savings
, as determined by one or more of the following criteria:






9
.   The Commission shall, where appropriate, assist upon request Member States in setting up national or regional financial support programmes with the aim of 
reaching zero or nearly-zero-emission standards in
 of buildings, especially of existing buildings, by supporting the exchange of best practice between the responsible national or regional authorities or bodies.











(a)


the energy performance of the equipment or material used for the renovation; in which case, the equipment or material used for the renovation is to be installed by an installer with the relevant level of certification or qualification and shall comply with 
minimum energy performance
 requirements for building elements;






 










(b)


standard values for calculation of 
energy savings
 in buildings;






 










(c)


the improvement achieved due to such renovation by comparing energy performance certificates issued before and after renovation;






 










(d)


the results of an energy audit;






 










(e)


the results of another relevant, transparent and proportionate method that shows the improvement in energy performance.






 







10
.   From 1 January 2027 at the latest, Member States shall not provide any financial incentives for the installation of boilers powered by fossil fuels, with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, in accordance with Article 7(1)(h)(i) third hyphen of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and the Council (1) on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund and with Article 73 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and the Council (2) on the CAP Strategic Plans.






10
.   Member States shall link their financial measures for 
zero-emission
 in the renovation of buildings to achieved 
emission reduction
, as determined by one or more of the following criteria:





 








(a)


the energy performance of the equipment or material used for the renovation; in which case, the equipment or material used for the renovation is to be installed by an installer with the relevant level of certification or qualification and shall comply with 
zero or nearly
-
zero-emission
 requirements for building elements;








 








(b)


standard values for calculation of 
zero-emissions
 in buildings;








 








(c)


the improvement achieved due to such renovation by comparing energy performance certificates issued before and after renovation;








 








(d)


the results of an energy audit;








 








(e)


the results of another relevant, transparent and proportionate method that shows the improvement in energy performance.











11
.   Member States shall incentivise 
deep renovation and
 sizeable programmes that 
address a high number of
 buildings and result in an overall 
reduction of at least 30 % of primary energy demand
 with higher financial, fiscal, administrative and technical support. Member States shall 
ensure that a
 staged deep 
renovation which receives public financial incentives follows the steps set out in a
 renovation 
passport
.






11
.   From 1 January 2027 at the latest, Member States shall not provide any financial incentives for the installation of boilers powered by fossil fuels, with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, in accordance with Article 7(1)(h)(i) third hyphen of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and the Council (1) on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund and with Article 73 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and the Council (2) on the CAP Strategic Plans.








12
.   Financial incentives shall target as a priority vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty and people living in social housing, in line with Article 22 of Directive (EU) …/…. [recast EED].






12
.   Member States shall incentivise sizeable programmes that 
aim at zero emission
 buildings and result in an overall 
zero emission
 with higher financial, fiscal, administrative and technical support. 
From 1 January 2027,
 Member States shall 
not provide any financial, fiscal, administrative and technical support to
 staged deep renovation.








13
.   When providing financial incentives to owners of buildings or building units for the renovation of rented buildings or building units, Member States shall ensure that the financial incentives benefit both the owners and the tenants, in particular by providing rent support or by imposing caps on rent increases.






13
.   Financial incentives shall target as a priority vulnerable households, people affected by energy poverty and people living in social housing, in line with Article 22 of Directive (EU) …/…. [recast EED].





 





14
.   When providing financial incentives to owners of buildings or building units for the renovation of rented buildings or building units, Member States shall ensure that the financial incentives benefit both the owners and the tenants, in particular by providing rent support or by imposing caps on rent increases.





 





15.
   
The EU and Member States shall provide ring-fenced, dedicated financing for the energy efficiency renovation of buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit
.










Reason

In order to reach a successful implementation of the directive, it is important to foresee a proper financing for local and regional authorities.

Amendment 50

Article 16






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment




Energy performance certificates


Energy performance certificates





1.   Member States shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a system of certification of the energy performance of buildings. The energy performance certificate shall include the energy performance of a building expressed by a numeric indicator of primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y), and reference values such as minimum energy performance requirements, minimum energy performance standards, nearly zero-energy building requirements and zero-emission building requirements, in order to make it possible for owners or tenants of the building or building unit to compare and assess its energy performance.




1.   Member States shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a system of certification of the energy performance of buildings. The energy performance certificate shall include the energy performance of a building expressed by a numeric indicator of primary energy use in kWh/(m2.y), and reference values such as minimum energy performance requirements, minimum energy performance standards, nearly zero-energy building requirements and zero-emission building requirements, in order to make it possible for owners or tenants of the building or building unit to compare and assess its energy performance.






2.   By 31 December 2025 at the latest, the energy performance certificate shall comply with the template in Annex V. It shall specify the energy performance class of the building, on a closed scale using only letters from A to G. The letter A shall correspond to zero-emission buildings as defined in Article 2, point (2) and the letter G shall correspond to the 15 % worst-performing buildings in the national building stock at the time of the introduction of the scale. Member States shall ensure that the remaining classes (B to F) have an even bandwidth distribution of energy performance indicators among the energy performance classes. Member States shall ensure a common visual identity for energy performance certificates on their territory.




2.   By 31 December 2025 at the latest, the energy performance certificate shall comply with the template in Annex V. It shall specify the energy performance class of the building, on a closed scale using only letters from A to G. The letter A 
+
 shall correspond to zero-emission buildings as defined in Article 2, point (2) and the letter G shall correspond to the 15 % worst-performing buildings in the national building stock at the time of the introduction of the scale. Member States shall ensure that the remaining classes (B to F) have an even bandwidth distribution of energy performance indicators among the energy performance classes. Member States shall ensure a common visual identity for energy performance certificates on their territory.






3.   Member States shall ensure the quality, reliability and affordability of energy performance certificates. They shall ensure that energy performance certificates are issued by independent experts following an on-site visit.




3.   Member States shall ensure the quality, reliability and affordability of energy performance certificates. They shall ensure that energy performance certificates are issued by independent experts following an on-site visit.






4.   The energy performance certificate shall include recommendations for 
the cost-effective improvement of the energy performance and
 the reduction of operational greenhouse gases emissions of a building or building unit, unless the building or building unit already complies with the relevant zero-emission building standard. The recommendations included in the energy performance certificate shall cover:




4.   The energy performance certificate shall include recommendations for the reduction of operational greenhouse gases emissions of a building or building unit, unless the building or building unit already complies with the relevant zero-emission building standard. The recommendations included in the energy performance certificate shall cover:











(a)


measures carried out in connection with a major renovation of the building envelope or technical building system or systems;












(a)


measures carried out in connection with a major renovation of the building envelope or technical building system or systems;














(b)


measures for individual building elements independent of a major renovation of the building envelope or technical building system or systems.












(b)


measures for individual building elements independent of a major renovation of the building envelope or technical building system or systems.









5.   The recommendations included in the energy performance certificate shall be technically feasible for the specific building and shall provide an estimate for the energy savings 
and the reduction of
 operational greenhouse gas emissions. They may provide an estimate for the range of payback periods or cost-benefits over its economic lifecycle.




5.   The recommendations included in the energy performance certificate shall be technically feasible for the specific building and shall provide an estimate for the energy savings 
to reach zero or nearly-zero
 operational greenhouse gas emissions. They may provide an estimate for the range of payback periods or cost-benefits over its economic lifecycle.






6.   The recommendations shall include an assessment of whether the heating or air-conditioning system can be adapted to operate at more efficient temperature settings, such as low temperature emitters for water based heating systems, including the required design of thermal power output and temperature/flow requirements.




6.   The recommendations shall include an assessment of whether the heating or air-conditioning system can be adapted to operate at more efficient temperature settings, such as low temperature emitters for water based heating systems, including the required design of thermal power output and temperature/flow requirements.






7.   The energy performance certificate shall provide an indication as to where the owner or tenant can receive more detailed information, including as regards the cost-effectiveness of the recommendations made in the energy performance certificate. The evaluation of cost effectiveness shall be based on a set of standard conditions, such as the assessment of energy savings and underlying energy prices and a preliminary cost forecast. In addition, it shall contain information on the 
steps to be taken to implement
 the recommendations. Other information on related topics, such as energy audits or incentives of a financial or other nature and financing possibilities, or advice on how to increase the climate resilience of the building, may also be provided to the owner or tenant.




7.   The energy performance certificate shall provide an indication as to where the owner or tenant can receive more detailed information, including as regards the cost-effectiveness of the recommendations made in the energy performance certificate. The evaluation of cost effectiveness shall be based on a set of standard conditions, such as the assessment of energy savings and underlying energy prices and a preliminary cost forecast. In addition, it shall contain information on the 
implementation of
 the recommendations. Other information on related topics, such as energy audits or incentives of a financial or other nature and financing possibilities, or advice on how to increase the climate resilience of the building, may also be provided to the owner or tenant.






8.   Certification for building units may be based:




8.   Certification for building units may be based:











(a)


on a common certification of the whole building;












(a)


on a common certification of the whole building;














(b)


on the assessment of another representative building unit with the same energy-relevant characteristics in the same building.












(b)


on the assessment of another representative building unit with the same energy-relevant characteristics in the same building.









9.   Certification for single-family houses may be based on the assessment of another representative building of similar design and size with a similar actual energy performance quality if such correspondence can be guaranteed by the expert issuing the energy performance certificate.




9.   Certification for single-family houses may be based on the assessment of another representative building of similar design and size with a similar actual energy performance quality if such correspondence can be guaranteed by the expert issuing the energy performance certificate.






10.   The validity of the energy performance certificate shall not exceed five years. However for buildings with an energy performance class A, B or C established pursuant to paragraph 2, the validity of the energy performance certificate shall not exceed 10 years.




10.   The validity of the energy performance certificate shall not exceed five years. However for buildings with an energy performance class A, B or C established pursuant to paragraph 2, the validity of the energy performance certificate shall not exceed 10 years.






11.   Member States shall make simplified procedures for updating an energy performance certificate available where only individual elements are upgraded (single or standalone measures). Member States shall make simplified procedures for updating an energy performance certificate available where measures identified in a renovation passport are put in place.




11.   Member States shall make simplified procedures for updating an energy performance certificate available where only individual elements are upgraded (single or standalone measures). Member States shall make simplified procedures for updating an energy performance certificate available where measures identified in a renovation passport are put in place.






Reason

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

Amendment 51

Article 17.1






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment





1.   Member States shall ensure that a digital energy performance certificate is issued for:




1.   Member States shall ensure that a digital energy performance certificate is issued for:











(a)


buildings or building units which are constructed, have undergone a major renovation, are sold or rented out to a new tenant
, or for which a rental contract is renewed
; and












(a)


buildings or building units which are constructed, have undergone a major renovation, are sold or rented out to a new tenant; and














(b)


buildings owned or occupied by public bodies.












(b)


buildings owned or occupied by public bodies.








The requirement to issue an energy performance certificate does not apply where a certificate, issued in accordance with either Directive 2010/31/EU or this Directive, for the building or building unit concerned is available and valid.


The requirement to issue an energy performance certificate does not apply where a certificate, issued in accordance with either Directive 2010/31/EU or this Directive, for the building or building unit concerned is available and valid.





Reason

In some Member States contracts are tacitly renewed. Intervening would mean opening up legal disputes.

Amendment 52

Article 17.2






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment




Member States shall require that, when buildings or building units are constructed, sold or rented out 
or when rental contracts are renewed
, the energy performance certificate is shown to the prospective tenant or buyer and handed over to the buyer or tenant.


Member States shall require that, when buildings or building units are constructed, sold or rented out, the energy performance certificate is shown to the prospective 
new
 tenant or buyer and handed over to the buyer or 
new
 tenant.





Reason

In some Member States contracts are tacitly renewed. Intervening would mean opening up legal disputes.

Amendment 53

Article 19.1






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment




Databases for energy performance of buildings 1. Each Member State shall set up a national 
database
 for energy performance of buildings which allows data to be gathered on the energy performance of the buildings and on the overall energy performance of the national building stock. The database shall allow data to be gathered related to energy performance certificates, inspections, the building renovation passport, the smart readiness indicator and the calculated or metered energy consumption of the buildings covered.


Databases for energy performance 
and emissions
 of buildings 1. Each Member State shall set up national 
databases, with regional breakdown,
 for energy performance of buildings 
and their related emissions
 which allows data to be gathered on the energy performance of the buildings and on the overall energy performance 
and emissions
 of the national building stock. The database shall allow data to be gathered related to energy performance certificates, inspections, the building renovation passport, the smart readiness indicator and the calculated or metered energy consumption of the buildings covered.





Reason

It is important to set up a national databases for energy performance and emissions of buildings, but with regional breakdown.

Amendment 54

Article 26.3






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment




Member States shall ensure that guidance and training are made available for those responsible for implementing this Directive. Such guidance and training shall address the importance of improving energy performance, and shall enable consideration of the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency, 
reduction of
 greenhouse gas emissions, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Such guidance and training may also address structural improvements, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, air pollutant emissions (including fine particulate matter) and accessibility for persons with disabilities.


Member States shall ensure that guidance and training are made available for 
local and regional authorities and
 those responsible for implementing this Directive. Such guidance and training shall address the importance of 
reducing energy and materials demand and,
 improving energy performance 
to ensure buildings are at zero and nearly-zero emission standards over their life cycle
, and shall enable consideration of the optimal combination of 
energy and materials demand reduction,
 improvements in energy efficiency, 
zero
 greenhouse gas emissions, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Such guidance and training 
should also include land use and urban planning policies and
 may also address structural improvements, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, air pollutant emissions (including fine particulate matter) and accessibility for persons with disabilities.





Reason

Self-explanatory.

Amendment 55

Annex 3






Text proposed by the European Commission


CoR amendment




The total annual primary energy use of a new zero-emission building shall comply with the 
maximum thresholds indicated in the table below. […]
 The total annual primary energy use of a new or renovated zero-emission building shall be fully covered, on a net annual basis, by – energy from renewable sources generated on-site and fulfilling the criteria of Article 7 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], – renewable energy provided from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Article 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], or – renewable energy and waste heat from an efficient district heating and cooling system in accordance with Article (24(1) of Directive (EU) …/… [recast EED]. A zero-emission building shall not cause any on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Only where, due to the nature of the building or lack of access to renewable energy communities or eligible district heating and cooling systems, it is technically not feasible to fulfil the requirements under the first paragraph, the total annual primary energy use may also be covered by energy from the grid complying with criteria established at national level.


The total annual primary energy use of a new zero-emission building shall comply with the 
methodology of articles 4-6. These should be developed and complemented with requirements on greenhouse gas emissions to ensure the compliance with the EU climate neutrality target.
 The total annual primary energy use of a new or renovated zero-emission building shall be fully covered, on a net annual basis, by – energy from renewable 
or waste energy
 sources generated on-site 
or provided through the grid
 and fulfilling the criteria of Article 7 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], – renewable energy provided from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Article 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], or – renewable energy and waste heat from an efficient district heating and cooling system in accordance with Article (24(1) of Directive (EU) …/… [recast EED]. A zero-emission building shall not cause any on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Only where, due to the nature of the building or lack of access to renewable energy communities or eligible district heating and cooling systems, it is technically not feasible to fulfil the requirements under the first paragraph, the total annual primary energy use may also be covered by energy from the grid complying with criteria established at national level.





Reason

Self-explanatory.
II.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS








1.


highlights that the revision of the EPBD is a cornerstone of the Fit for 55 package and of paramount importance for the implementation of the Renovation Wave. It is therefore crucial to ensure that this revision foresees the right level of ambition and puts in place adequate support mechanisms with a view to achieving the climate neutrality of the EU building stock by 2050;












2.


welcomes the reference to adaptation policies in the proposal; nevertheless, considers that adaptation should be more strongly embedded in the proposal and be part of the renovation passport;












3.


welcomes the reference to the circularity approach in the proposal and stresses that circularity needs to be systematically referenced in the text, also taking embodied carbon into account;












4.


considers that the size of the challenges ahead in terms of climate transition and energy security require a more ambitious approach to energy transition as clearly outlined in the REPowerEU Plan. This should include technical assistance, training and upskilling of workers and strengthening capabilities of local and regional authorities; in this sense, considers that the concept of ‘energy sufficiency’ should be central in the proposal and embedded in the renovation passport;












5.


highlights that a massive renovation of buildings is an opportunity to tackle energy poverty and make buildings of vulnerable households and enterprises energy positive; to this end, urges the establishment of a comprehensive policy on energy poverty, in order to avoid the Renovation Wave worsening the issues of energy poverty across the EU. For this reason, calls on the Commission to put in place a comprehensive strategy to eradicate energy poverty and stands ready to cooperate with the newly established Energy Poverty and Vulnerable Consumers Coordination Group with a view to designing a strategy that is fit for implementation at local and regional level. In this connection, older people should be offered solutions to finance the necessary climate protection measures and pensioners whose home constitutes their old-age insurance urgently need to be taken into account;












6.


sees the need to include in the definition of zero and nearly-zero emission building the life-cycle thinking approach, with a view to promoting a climate-neutral building stock by 2050: this should respect technology-neutrality and a holistic view of energy systems to reflect varying conditions on local, regional and Member State levels. The definition should also accept energy from the electricity and gas grids, as soon as it is produced by renewable energy sources and recovered waste energy. It should be consistent with the paths for decarbonisation in the directives for energy efficiency (EED) and renewable energy (RED) in the energy system at large and not be sub optimised to only a building level issue;












7.


considers that the use of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), if not adequately ambitious, could result in a lock-in effect, reducing the level of ambition in the Renovation Wave and making it basically unfit for 2030 and 2050 targets, which are crucial for the climate transition but also to foster energy security. MEPS should also include life- cycle GHG requirements on construction and supply of renewable energy. Stresses that MEPS will only be effective if they succeed in keeping a high level of ambition and being accompanied by measures helping overcome barriers that have hampered renovation efforts to date and by the necessary funding and technical support to assist their introduction;












8.


recognises the need to target the worst performing buildings and buildings with a large potential for energy savings; stresses the need to have the availability of skilled labour and entrepreneurs, and recognises the effect on building values and property markets which should not lead to any increased costs for tenants; therefore calls on the legal possibility for Member States to request an extension of the stated deadlines if justified by exceptional conditions;












9.


points out that ‘major renovation’ of existing buildings, regardless of their size, occur once every 25 years in residential buildings and once every 15 years in non-residential ones; considers therefore that a staged renovation approach could risk hindering the ambition of the Renovation Wave and result in anti-economic approaches to building renovation, which should be tackled with a systematic and integrated approach rather than as a sum of separate interventions. In this sense, calls on the Commission and Member States to provide guidance on improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings, also leveraging the work of the European Bauhaus Initiative. The renovation of these buildings should be supported by dedicated funding schemes and adequate flexibility of the timeframe should be granted;












10.


highlights that the transition to a systematic circular approach to building renovation requires significant efforts in terms of reskilling and support for local competences, both in the public and in the private sector;












11.


considers that public procurement should play a significant role in mainstreaming an ambitious approach to building renovation. To this end, stresses that all renovations being contracted by public authorities should be supported by guidance from member states and the EU and follow, as far as possible, the criteria of Green and Circular Public Procurement;












12.


stresses that the energy efficiency of the building stock cannot be achieved by focusing on single buildings only and urban and territorial planning must support the individual interventions through a systematic district approach to the energy efficiency of cities;












13.


reiterates that the objectives of the Renovation Wave cannot be achieved without significant and dedicated resources, both in terms of financial envelopes and in terms of capacity-building and technical support; stresses that the EPBD is the opportunity to mainstream the use of one-stop-shops as a primary tool for the implementation of the directive;












14.


believes that rural regions and, more generally speaking, regions with many single- and multiple-family homes have different requirements and require different solutions than urban structures. This must also be reflected in the Directive;












15.


points out that historic buildings have a significant cultural and symbolic value in EU cities; believes that their architectural value needs to be preserved and solutions need to be found to ensure these buildings also fulfil the exemplary role of public buildings. In this sense, calls on the Commission and Member States to provide guidance on improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings and create dedicated funding schemes for this purpose.





Brussels, 30 June 2022.


The President of the European Committee of the Regions

Vasco ALVES CORDEIRO




(1)  Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1).

(1)  Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1).

(1)  Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (OJ L 330, 16.12.2009, p. 28).

(2)  Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1).

(1)  Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (OJ L 330, 16.12.2009, p. 28).

(2)  Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1).

(1)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60).

(2)  Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013 (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1).

(1)  Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60).

(2)  Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013 (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1).