The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a central pillar of the European Green Deal, aiming to decarbonize the EU building stock (responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of energy-related GHG emissions) by 2050.

Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEB)

The EPBD establishes the Zero-Emission Building standard as the new norm. A ZEB has very high energy performance, requiring zero or very low energy, which must be fully covered by renewable sources, district heating/cooling, or energy communities.

  • From January 1, 2028: All new buildings owned by public bodies must be ZEBs.
  • From January 1, 2030: All new buildings (residential and non-residential) must be ZEBs.

Renovation Targets for Non-Residential Buildings

Commercial real estate faces strict Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). Member states must renovate the worst-performing non-residential buildings according to specific thresholds:

  • By 2030: The worst-performing 16% of non-residential buildings must be renovated to exceed the lowest threshold.
  • By 2033: The worst-performing 26% of non-residential buildings must be renovated.

Targets for Residential Buildings

Instead of strict MEPS for individual homes, Member States must reduce the average primary energy use of the entire residential building stock:

  • 16% reduction by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
  • 20-22% reduction by 2035.

Crucially, at least 55% of the energy reduction must be achieved through the renovation of the worst-performing 43% of residential buildings.

Phasing Out Fossil Fuels

The EPBD sets a clear trajectory for the end of fossil fuel heating:

  • From 2025: Subsidies for standalone fossil fuel boilers are prohibited.
  • Member States must set out plans to completely phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling by 2040.

Solar Mandate

Member states must ensure the deployment of suitable solar energy installations on roofs, deployed progressively:

  • By end of 2026: On new public and non-residential buildings (usable floor area >250m2).
  • By end of 2027: On existing public and non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation.
  • By end of 2029: On all new residential buildings.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

The EPC framework will be harmonized across the EU. The scale will be from A (representing a ZEB) to G (representing the worst-performing 15% of buildings in the national stock at the time of harmonization). This standardizes real estate valuation across borders.