Directive (EU) 2024/1275 – Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Recast
Directive (EU) 2024/1275 of the European Parliament and of the Council, issued on 24 April 2024, establishes the updated legal framework for the energy performance of buildings within the European Union. This statute is a recast of Directive 2010/31/EU and forms an integral part of the Fit for 55 package and the European Green Deal. It targets a fully decarbonized building stock by 2050, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty while increasing the rate of deep renovations across Member States.
The regulatory scope encompasses the calculation of integrated energy performance, minimum performance standards for existing buildings, and mandatory requirements for new structures. The document introduces specific schemes such as the National Building Renovation Plan, the Renovation Passport, and the Smart Readiness Indicator. It governs various building categories, including residential, non-residential, and public buildings, setting out concrete implementation milestones for 2028, 2030, and 2050. Key structural elements include 38 Articles and 10 Annexes covering everything from calculation methodologies in Annex I to the template for renovation plans in Annex II.
Professional stakeholders must adhere to the updated technical requirements for building automation, solar energy infrastructure, and charging points for electric vehicles as detailed in the following sections.
New Building Standards and Zero-Emission Requirements
Article 7 and Article 11 define the transition to Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEB). A ZEB is characterized by a very high energy performance where the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by renewable sources.
- Public Buildings: All new buildings owned by public bodies must be zero-emission as of 1 January 2028.
- All New Buildings: The zero-emission requirement applies to all new buildings starting 1 January 2030.
- Life-cycle GWP: For new buildings with a useful floor area over 1000 square meters, the Life-cycle Global Warming Potential must be disclosed via the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from 2028 (public) or 2030 (all).
Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Existing Buildings
Article 9 mandates Member States to establish a trajectory for the progressive renovation of the existing building stock to reach zero-emission status by 2050.
- Non-residential Buildings: Member States must ensure that the non-residential stock does not exceed maximum energy performance thresholds. At least 16% of the worst-performing stock must be renovated by 2030, and 26% by 2033.
- Residential Buildings: Member States must ensure a reduction in the average primary energy use of the residential stock by at least 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035 compared to 2020 levels.
Solar Energy and Sustainable Mobility Infrastructure
The directive introduces mandatory solar energy deployment and enhanced infrastructure for sustainable mobility under Articles 10 and 14.
- Solar Installations: New public and non-residential buildings must be equipped with solar installations by 31 December 2026 if technically and economically feasible. This applies to new residential buildings by 31 December 2029.
- EV Charging: Non-residential buildings with more than five parking spaces must install at least one recharging point for every five spaces and provide pre-cabling for at least 50% of the spaces.
- Bicycle Parking: Residential buildings with more than three parking spaces must provide at least two bicycle parking spaces for every residential unit.
Technical Building Systems and Inspections
Article 13 and Article 23 regulate the installation, optimization, and periodic inspection of technical building systems to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Heating and Cooling: Stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels will no longer receive financial incentives as of 1 January 2025.
- Inspections: Regular inspections are mandatory for the accessible parts of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems with an effective rated output of over 70 kW.
- Building Automation: Non-residential buildings with an output over 290 kW must be equipped with building automation and control systems by 31 December 2024; those over 70 kW by 31 December 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a Zero-Emission Building under Directive 2024/1275?
A Zero-Emission Building is a building with very high energy performance where the energy required is very low and covered by renewable sources, resulting in zero on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
When must all new buildings in the EU be zero-emission?
Starting 1 January 2030, all new buildings must be zero-emission, while new buildings owned by public bodies must meet this standard by 1 January 2028.
Are fossil fuel boilers banned under the new EPBD?
Member States must strive to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2040; as a first step, no financial incentives for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers are permitted from 1 January 2025.
What is the purpose of the Renovation Passport?
The Renovation Passport is a voluntary tool providing a long-term, tailored roadmap for the staged deep renovation of a specific building, aiming to reach zero-emission status by 2050.
How long is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) valid?
The validity of an Energy Performance Certificate shall not exceed 10 years.
What buildings are exempt from minimum energy performance standards?
Exemptions may apply to officially protected historical buildings, places of worship, temporary buildings (used ≤ 2 years), and residential buildings used for less than four months per year.
What are the requirements for solar energy on existing public buildings?
Solar energy must be installed on existing public buildings with a floor area over 2000 sqm by 2027, scaling down to 250 sqm by 2030, provided it is technically and economically suitable.
