 |
|
|
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive entered into force 4 January 2003 and allows a transition period of three years. This means that the measures in the directive must come into force by 4 January 2006.
Basic Objective
The basic objective of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is to promote the cost-effective improvement of energy performance of new buildings as well as larger, existing buildings (>1,000 m²) when undergoing major renovations (>25% of the building). Studies and practical experience show a large potential for energy savings in the residential and tertiary sector (including offices, wholesale and retail trade, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals etc., but certain buildings which carry out industrial processes are excluded. Today, more than 40% of the energy consumption in the EU is used in the residential and tertiary sectors. In the residential sector, space heating is by far the largest energy end-use category (57%) followed by water heating (25%). In the tertiary sector, the importance of space heating (52%) and water heating (9%) is somewhat lower.
Outcome Expected
If fully and satisfactorily implemented, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is expected to be able to reduce CO2-emissions by around 220 mill. tonnes in total at a cost of less than EUR 20 per tonne of CO2. The emission reduction potential by 2010 is estimated at 35-45 mill. tonnes per year.
Basic Content
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive contains four basic elements: - Establishment of a general framework of a common, integrated methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings.
- Application of minimum methodology standards for the calculation of energy performance.
- Certification of the energy performance of buildings when constructed, rented out or sold.
- Regular inspection of boilers and heating/cooling equipment.
In practice, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires all EU countries to have a new building regulation by 4 January 2006, and to revise it minimum every 5 years. The directive also requires that, in all EU countries, an energy certificate must be issued whenever a building is constructed, rented out or sold, and that an energy certificate is issued and visibly displayed for all buildings over 1,000 m², that are publicly owned or provide public services. With regard to the certification of the energy performance of existing buildings, boilers and air-conditioning systems, member states can request a further three years to implement the requirements, if they can document a lack of qualified technicians to perform the task.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
