Debate: Energy performance of buildings
Date: MONDAY, 11 MARCH 2024
Speaker: Kadri Simson
Language: EN

Almost all files in the energy field of the Fit for 55 package have been formally agreed by co-legislators, and together we have adopted strategies on many aspects of the clean energy transition. We have established a framework for entering Europe’s energy sovereignty and competitiveness, and the EPBD is the one missing piece to complete this picture. And tomorrow we will vote on it. And this is an important file for a few different reasons.  First, buildings are the single largest energy consumers in Europe. We will not face the decarbonisation and economic challenges and energy supply dependencies if we don’t tackle buildings. And secondly, healthy and sustainable living conditions are completely out of reach for far too many EU citizens and this must change. We need to rethink the way we build and renovate homes, and how we help create communities and vibrant spaces that are accessible and affordable for all Europeans.  Honourable Members, I believe that the provisional agreement found on the EPBD presents a good balance between ambition, flexibility and feasibility. If the revised EPBD sets the standard, there will be a positive domino effect.  First, in terms of our growth and competitiveness, there will be greater demand for manufacturing of clean technologies, such as heating and cooling solutions made in EU, service providers, technical and financial advisors, and this will create jobs, investments and growth. A substantial number of local jobs will be created in the construction supply industry, a sector which is largely driven by SMEs. Second, the EPBD tackles the root cause of energy poverty and makes energy more affordable in the long term. Today, thanks to new construction methods, materials and products, new buildings consume less than half compared to buildings built before the first EPBD. But these new buildings are not representative in the EU building stock, because 85 % of residential buildings were built before 2010 and will stay until 2050, and 75 % have a poor energy performance. And with a provisional agreement, we have the right measures to boost the energy performance of the worst performing buildings, but without obliging individual homeowners to renovate.  In the non-residential sector, minimum energy performance standards will trigger the renovation of the worst performers where it is most cost-efficient. And these renovations will promote more energy efficient, liveable and cohesive housing on a large scale and innovative digitalised and net zero technologies will be harnessed for the best results.  New buildings will be zero emission buildings fit for a climate neutral future, and solar installations will become the norm for new buildings. Fundamentally, citizens will not be left alone in their efforts to improve their homes. They can turn to one stop shop for advice on building renovation, and those who plan to carry out renovations in several steps can make use of the newly introduced building renovation passports.  Finally, provisions on public and private financing complete the picture to make renovation affordable and feasible. The adjusted rules for Energy Performance Certificates will build trust in the performance of a building, in the impact of renovation works, and simplify access to financing, and the national building renovation plans will build transparent and reliable roadmaps, setting national targets for building renovation and elaborating on policies, investment needs and available resources.  Honourable Members, your vote tomorrow on this EPBD file is a critical part of our joint efforts to ensure the clean transition makes a difference in the lives of citizens across the EU. We can fast forward the clean energy transition, sends strong investment signals to our economies, and empower citizens to benefit from energy efficient homes. The Commission counts on you.