AMCA Commentary on Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets an ambitious background towards improving the energy efficiency of European Buildings. Buildings account for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of Europe CO2 emission; therefore, it is vital to reach EU long-term climate goals and by that, ensuring that all new buildings will be nearly zero-energy buildings by 2021.

The initial directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings was published in 2002 and the European Commission published a recast in 2010. The latest revision was adopted in May 2018, meaning that EU Member States will have until March 2020 to implement these new elements into National Law.

By setting out minimum requirements, renovating the existing building stock and encouraging new smart technologies, Member States will be able to accomplish the required performance standards for buildings. Member States will have to ensure regular inspections of heating, combined heating and ventilation systems in the building stock (Art 14). The inspection will consist of an assessment of air conditioning efficiency and the sizing compared to the cooling requirements of the building.

Currently, the European Commission is leading several studies that touch the HVAC sector:

  • Building automation and control systems: smart technologies that interact to achieve maximum efficiency
  • Smart-readiness indicator: a tool for measuring the technological readiness of a building
  • Building renovation passport: a certificate indicating improvements that could be done to increase the energy efficiency of a building
  • Provisions for the inspection of stand-alone ventilation systems in buildings
  • More consideration for health and well-being of citizens to be promoted through improved air quality and ventilation

The European Commission made available in 2019 a series of recommendations on both the building renovation and building modernisation to guarantee a homogenous approach across the Member States when they transpose their measures. These guidance documents are not legally binding.


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