We, together with 11 European associations, have sent a letter to Frans Timmermans and Kadri Simson supporting the intention to revise the EPBD and to recommend it applies the Energy Efficiency First principle in a way that stimulates integrated renovations aiming at highly energy-efficient, renewable-based and flexible buildings integrated in the increasingly variable energy system.
This would lead to emissions reductions, grid optimisation and system efficiency. It would also deliver benefits to citizens, including the most vulnerable ones, strengthen the EU’s clean energy industrial leadership, boost local job creation and economic recovery.
We recommend including the following provisions:
- Ensure new buildings are energy efficient and renewable-based from 2025.
- Binding target on Member States of annual integrated renovations of at least 3% per year.
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for all existing buildings.
- Easily accessible support measures for lower-income houses & businesses to meet the MEPS.
- Strengthen and harmonise Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
- Recommendations on EPCs on how to improve buildings’ energy performance.
- Strengthen the existing e-mobility provisions with mandatory minimum requirements for smart charging points
- Better technical assistance on the use of available funds and build capacity to increase demand and reduce hurdles to integrated renovations.