Political agreement on EPBD proposal reached in Energy Council

A political agreement on the Commission’s energy performance of buildings recast proposal was reached in the Energy Council on 07 December 2009. Both the Swedish Presidency and the Commission expressed their satisfaction at the adoption of the energy efficiency package – which also includes Commission proposals on energy labelling and tyre labelling - just a year after it was proposed. Both the Parliament and Council agreed that all newly constructed buildings (commercial and housing) must be "nearly-zero energy" buildings as of 2020, though all new public sector buildings will have to be "nearly-zero energy" buildings by 2018. Existing buildings will have to improve their energy performance after major renovations if technically and economically feasible. The 1000 m² threshold for major renovation has been changed and Member States will have to choose the definition of major renovation between 2 options: a) when the total cost of renovation is higher than 25% of the total building value or b) when more than 25% of the surface of the building envelope undergoes renovation.

The Dutch delegation in Council asked for clarification from the Commission on opinions and recommendations regarding financial measures (Art. 9 a). Financial incentives will be made available to implement the Directive, an issue that has proved to be a barrier to the proper implementation of the current Directive. The Commission confirmed it would not interfere in Member State national budgetary prerogatives. Council will formally adopt the official Common Position in early 2010, after which it will be voted on by the European Parliament.

The original proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings can be found here:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/strategies/2008/doc/2008_11_ser2/buildings_directive_proposal.pdf