Buildings Account for 36% of EU Greenhouse Gas Emissions: European Parliament Passes Amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in Effort to Further Reduce Carbon Emissions from Buildings. The new regulation mandates that all new buildings constructed from 2030 onwards must achieve zero carbon emissions, while new buildings owned or used by public authorities must meet this standard by 2028. The legislation also includes provisions for energy-efficient renovations of existing buildings, reducing gas boilers, and installing solar panels.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was first proposed in 2002, serving as a crucial regulation guiding energy efficiency in European buildings. According to the European Commission, buildings contribute to 36% of total greenhouse gas emissions and consume 40% of energy in the EU. By the end of 2021, the Commission proposed amendments aimed at further reducing carbon emissions from buildings.

On the 12th, the European Parliament passed the amendment with 370 votes in favor and 199 against, requiring all new buildings constructed from 2030 onwards to achieve zero carbon emissions. New buildings owned or used by public authorities must meet this standard by 2028.

EU member states are required to develop policies to reduce energy consumption in residential buildings, targeting a 16% reduction in primary energy consumption by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035. The new directive also mandates the installation of solar panels on a certain scale of public and non-residential buildings from 2030 onwards, as well as on all new residential buildings.

Renovating old buildings involves complex issues such as funding, regulations, and willingness, making it difficult to increase the renovation rate. To address this, the EU has set specific targets: by 2030, at least 16% of the least energy-efficient non-residential buildings such as offices and schools must be renovated for energy efficiency, increasing to 26% by 2033. However, some agricultural buildings, historical buildings, or churches may be exempted.

The new Building Directive demonstrates the EU's determination to reduce carbon emissions. However, compared to the draft proposed a year ago, it is evident that the EU has postponed the target deadline for net-zero buildings by two years. According to the European news media "Euractiv," the original proposal has been significantly watered down, with what was once a systematic renovation plan turning into vague objectives. Nonetheless, there remains ambition in the renovation rate for non-residential buildings.

Reaching this stage of regulation has not been easy. In recent years, the rise of right-wing politics in Europe has seen right-wing lawmakers opposing this legislation, a stark contrast to the fervor surrounding the proposal when it was first introduced.

Ciarán Cuffe, a Green Party member of the European Parliament, pointed out that the new directive will help reduce people's energy expenses and provide thousands of local job opportunities while also reducing carbon emissions in Europe.

The final hurdle for the legislation is the Council, and if passed, the law will come into effect by the end of 2026. While previous negotiations have typically resulted in the Council's approval without significant changes, uncertainties remain in the current situation. As stated by a reporter from Euractiv, the adventure of the bill is not over yet.

References:
*European Parliament（2024/03/12），Energy efficiency of buildings: MEPs adopt plans to decarbonise the sector
*Euractiv（2024/03/12），European Parliament votes through controversial buildings law
*Euractiv（2024/03/11），The EU's controversial green buildings law risks failing at the finish line

Source:
Environmental Information Center