Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Buildings account for 40 % of final energy consumption in the Union and 36 % of its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reduction of energy consumption, in line with the energy efficiency first principle as laid down in Article 3 [revised EED] and defined in Article 2(18) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important measures needed to reduce the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced energy consumption and an increased use of energy from renewable sources also have an important part to play in reducing the Union's energy dependency, promoting security of energy supply, technological developments and in creating opportunities for employment and regional development, in particular in islands and rural areas.

Buildings account for 39 % of final energy consumption in the Union , 28 % being operational consumption and 11 % building materials and construction (embodied carbon), and 36 % of its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reduction of the demand for energy, materials, land and energy consumption, in line with the energy efficiency first principle as laid down in Article 3 [revised EED] and defined in Article 2(18) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important measures needed to reduce the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced demand for energy, materials and land, energy consumption and an increased use of energy from renewable sources also have an important part to play in reducing the Union's energy and materials dependency, promoting security of energy and materials supply, technological developments and in creating opportunities for employment and regional development, in particular in islands and rural areas.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Buildings are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions before, during and after their operational lifetime. The 2050 vision for a decarbonised building stock goes beyond the current focus on operational greenhouse gas emissions. The whole life-cycle emissions of buildings should therefore progressively be taken into account, starting with new buildings. Buildings are a significant material bank, being repositories for resources over many decades, and the design options largely influence the whole life-cycle emissions both for new buildings and renovations. The whole life-cycle performance of buildings should be taken into account not only in new construction, but also in renovations through the inclusion of policies for the reduction of whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Member States' building renovation plans.

Buildings are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions before, during and after their operational lifetime. The 2050 vision for a decarbonised building stock goes beyond the current focus on operational greenhouse gas emissions. The whole life-cycle emissions of buildings should therefore be taken into account from now onwards, for both new buildings and existing ones when renovated . Buildings are a significant material bank, being repositories for resources over many decades, and the design options largely influence the whole life-cycle emissions both for new buildings and renovations. The whole life-cycle performance of buildings should be taken into account not only in new construction, but also in renovations through the inclusion of policies for the reduction of whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Member States' building renovation plans. The involvement of local and regional authorities in the process of developing these policies is essential to ensure that the transition takes place at all levels.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Minimizing the whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of buildings requires resource efficiency and circularity. This can also be combined with turning parts of the building stock into a temporary carbon sink.

Minimising the whole life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of buildings requires sufficiency policies that avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water, resource efficiency and circularity. This can also be combined with turning parts of the building stock into a temporary carbon sink. To achieve zero embodied emissions would require reduction, reuse and optimisation of materials, designing carbon sequestering sites and the use of carbon sequestering materials.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The global warming potential over the whole life-cycle indicates the building’s overall contribution to emissions that lead to climate change. It brings together greenhouse gas emissions embodied in construction products with direct and indirect emissions from the use stage. A requirement to calculate the life-cycle global warming potential of new buildings therefore constitutes a first step towards increased consideration of the whole life-cycle performance of buildings and a circular economy.

The global warming potential over the whole life-cycle indicates the building’s overall contribution to emissions that lead to climate change. It brings together greenhouse gas emissions embodied in construction products with direct and indirect emissions from the use stage. A requirement to calculate the life-cycle global warming potential of new buildings and existing ones when they undergo renovation therefore constitutes a first step towards increased consideration of the whole life-cycle performance of buildings and a circular economy.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Buildings are responsible for about half of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2,5 ) emissions in the EU that cause premature death and illness. Improving energy performance of buildings can and should reduce pollutant emissions at the same time, in line with Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and the Council (1).

Buildings are responsible for about half of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2,5 ) emissions in the EU that cause premature death and illness. Reducing the demand for energy and materials and improving energy performance of buildings can and should reduce pollutant emissions at the same time, in line with Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and the Council (1) and therefore contributing to the Zero Pollution ambition .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Measures to improve further the energy performance of buildings should take into account climatic, including adaptation to climate change, local conditions as well as indoor climate environment and cost-effectiveness. Those measures should not affect other requirements concerning buildings such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building.

Measures to avoid the demand for energy and materials and to improve further the energy performance of buildings should take into account climatic, including adaptation to climate change, local conditions as well as indoor climate environment and cost-effectiveness which should take into account environmental, societal and health externalities, making the most of measures available at the district level . Those measures should not affect other requirements concerning buildings such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building such as accessibility, fire safety and seismic safety and the intended use of the building.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Sufficiency measures that avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water from buildings should be considered over the life cycle of buildings including at the design phase, the operational phase and the end of life of buildings. These measures should prioritise repurposing unused existing buildings over constructing new ones and the development of compact neighbourhoods over urban sprawl, passive heating and cooling solutions over mechanical ones, reusing construction materials over new ones and better management of existing buildings.

Member States, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, should indicate in their building renovation plans sufficiency policies and measures aiming to avoid in the first place the demand for energy, materials, land and water over the lifecycle of buildings at the design phase, the operational phase and the end of life of buildings.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should set minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings and building elements with a view to achieving the cost-optimal balance between the investments involved and the energy costs saved throughout the lifecycle of the building, without prejudice to the right of Member States to set minimum requirements which are more energy efficient than cost-optimal energy efficiency levels. Provision should be made for the possibility for Member States to review regularly their minimum energy performance requirements for buildings in the light of technical progress.

Member States should set minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings and building elements with a view to achieving zero or nearly- zero carbon emission throughout the lifecycle of the building. Climate-positive buildings should also be promoted, in order to ensure the carbon neutrality of the building stock as a whole.

A thorough involvement of local and regional authorities is essential in setting these requirements to ensure real and effective reductions .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Two-thirds of the energy used for heating and cooling of buildings still comes from fossil fuels. In order to decarbonise the building sector, it is of particular importance to phase out fossil fuel in heating and cooling. Therefore, Member States should indicate their national policies and measures to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling in their building renovation plans, and no financial incentives should be given for the installation of fossil fuel boilers under the next Multiannual Financial Framework as of 2027 , with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, under the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund. A clear legal basis for the ban of heat generators based on their greenhouse gas emissions or the type of fuel used should support national phase-out policies and measures.

Two-thirds of the energy used for heating and cooling of buildings still comes from fossil fuels. In order to decarbonise the building sector, it is of particular importance to phase out fossil fuel in heating and cooling. Therefore, Member States , in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, should indicate their national policies and measures to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling in their building renovation plans, and no financial incentives should be given for the installation of fossil fuel boilers under the next Multiannual Financial Framework as of 2025 , with the exception of those selected for investment, before 2027, under the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund. A clear legal basis for the ban of heat generators based on their greenhouse gas emissions or the type of fuel used should support national phase-out policies and measures.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The Commission should lay down a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements. A review of this framework should enable the calculation of both energy and emission performance and should take into account environmental and health externalities, as well as the ETS extension and carbon prices. Member States should use this framework to compare the results with the minimum energy performance requirements which they have adopted. Should significant discrepancies, i.e. exceeding 15 %, exist between the calculated cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements and the minimum energy performance requirements in force, Member States should justify the difference or plan appropriate steps to reduce the discrepancy. […].

The Commission should lay down a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements. A review of this framework should enable the calculation of both energy and emission performance and should be based on the objective of zero-carbon buildings over the life cycle of buildings and take into account environmental and health externalities, as well as the ETS extension and carbon prices. Member States should use this framework to ensure that the minimum energy performance requirements which they have adopted will lead to zero- or nearly-zero carbon emission buildings over the life cycle of buildings . Should significant discrepancies, i.e. exceeding 15 %, exist between the calculated cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements and the minimum energy performance requirements in force, Member States should justify the difference or plan appropriate steps to reduce the discrepancy. […]

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Major renovations of existing buildings, regardless of their size, provide an opportunity to take cost-effective measures to enhance energy performance. For reasons of cost-effectiveness, it should be possible to limit the minimum energy performance requirements to the renovated parts that are most relevant for the energy performance of the building. Member States should be able to choose to define a ‘major renovation’ either in terms of a percentage of the surface of the building envelope or in terms of the value of the building. If a Member State decides to define a major renovation in terms of the value of the building, values such as the actuarial value, or the current value based on the cost of reconstruction, excluding the value of the land upon which the building is situated, could be used.

Major renovations of existing buildings, regardless of their size, provide a unique opportunity to take cost-effective measures to enhance energy performance as they occur once every 25 years in residential buildings and once every 15 years in non-residential ones. This means residential buildings renovated during this decade are unlikely to undergo another major renovation round before 2050, while non-residential buildings may undergo another major renovation round. However, this will increase the overall cost of the renovation of buildings. Therefore, to avoid locking carbon in renovated buildings, Member States should ensure renovated buildings during this decade are renovated to the zero or nearly — zero emission standard calculated over the lifecycle of buildings.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The enhanced climate and energy ambition of the Union requires a new vision for buildings: the zero-emission building, the very low energy demand of which is fully covered by energy from renewable sources where technically feasible. All new buildings should be zero-emission buildings, and all existing buildings should be transformed into zero-emission buildings by 2050.

The climate emergency and the enhanced climate and energy ambition of the Union requires a new vision for buildings: the zero-emission building, the very low energy demand of which is fully covered by energy from renewable sources where technically feasible. All new buildings should be zero-emission buildings, and all existing buildings should be renovated during this decade to zero-emission buildings to avoid the carbon lock-in effect by 2050 and to lower the renovation costs .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Different options are available to cover the energy needs of an efficient building by energy from renewable sources: on-site renewables such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, heat pumps and biomass, renewable energy provided by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, and district heating and cooling based on renewables or waste heat.

Different options are available to cover the energy needs of low-energy demand and efficient building by energy from renewable sources: on-site or grid-supplied renewables such as solar thermal solutions , solar photovoltaics , wind power , heat pumps and biomass, renewable energy provided by renewable energy communities or citizen energy communities, and district heating and cooling based on renewables or waste heat.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) are the essential regulatory tool to trigger renovation of existing buildings on a large scale as they tackle the key barriers to renovation such as split incentives and co - ownership structures , which cannot be overcome by economic incentives . The introduction of minimum energy performance standards should lead to a gradual phase out of the worst performing buildings and a continuous improvement of the national buildings stock, contributing to the long-term goal of a decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) are the essential regulatory tool to trigger renovation of existing buildings on a large scale . In order to ensure that they are fit for purpose and do not contribute to creating a carbon lock - in effect , they need to be set at zero-emission standard: this is based on the assumption that between 2022 and 2050 only one round of major renovation is to be expected, on average . The introduction of minimum energy performance standards should lead to zero- or nearly-zero emission buildings , thus contributing to the long-term goal of a decarbonised building stock by 2050 . Alternative standards should be applied in very specific cases, when zero-emission is not achievable such as, for example, in the case of historic buildings: these standards should still guarantee that best available techniques are applied. Climate-positive buildings should compensate the additional emissions of these less efficient buildings .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

As regards the rest of the national building stock, Member States are free to decide whether they wish to introduce minimum energy performance standards, designed at national level and adapted to national conditions. When reviewing this Directive, the Commission should assess whether further binding minimum energy performance standards need to be introduced in order to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Member States are free to decide whether they wish to introduce minimum energy performance and zero- or nearly-zero carbon-emission standards on renovation when national and subnational financial instruments are used. However, when combined with EU financial instruments, requirements on minimum energy performance standard at the UE level on zero or nearly zero-emission buildings would apply in order to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050 .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Locally integrated district or neighbourhood approaches are allowing for overall renovation concepts for buildings that are spatially related, for example in terms of energy supply (e.g. housing blocks). The wider use of integrated, participative and district-related approaches is already the core of the Renovation Wave and should be promoted by this directive. Districts (e.g. quarters) and socially vulnerable neighbourhoods can be determined at the discretion of local and regional authorities in the context of this Directive according to local needs and location.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The Union-wide minimum energy performance standards should be based on harmonised energy performance classes. By defining the lowest energy performance class G as the worst-performing 15 % of each Member State’s national building stock, the harmonisation of energy performance classes ensures similar efforts by all Member States, while the definition of the best energy performance class A ensures the convergence of the harmonised energy performance class scale towards the common vision of zero-emission buildings.

The Union-wide minimum energy performance standards for zero-emission buildings should be based on harmonised energy performance classes to ensure similar efforts by all Member States, and the convergence of the harmonised energy performance class scale towards the common vision of zero-emission buildings.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements were already contained in the predecessors of this Directive and should continue to apply. While the newly introduced minimum energy performance standards set a floor for the minimum energy performance of existing buildings and ensure that renovation of inefficient buildings takes place, minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements ensure the necessary depth of renovation when a renovation takes place.

Minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and building elements were already contained in the predecessors of this Directive and should continue to apply if they lead to zero-emission building to avoid locking renovated buildings in carbon.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

To achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050, Member States should establish national building renovation plans, which replace the long-term renovation strategies and become an even stronger, fully operational planning tool for Member States, with a stronger focus on financing and ensuring that appropriately skilled workers are available for carrying out building renovations. In their building renovation plans, Member States should set their own national building renovation targets. In line with Article 21(b)(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the enabling conditions set under Regulation (EU) 2021/60 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1], Member States should provide an outline of financing measures, as well as an outline of the investment needs and the administrative resources for the implementation of their building renovation plans.

To achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock and the transformation of existing buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050, Member States , in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, should establish national building renovation plans, which replace the long-term renovation strategies and become an even stronger, fully operational planning tool for Member States, with a stronger focus on financing and ensuring that appropriately skilled workers are available for carrying out building renovations. In their building renovation plans, Member States should set their own national building renovation targets. In line with Article 21(b)(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and with the enabling conditions set under Regulation (EU) 2021/60 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1], Member States should provide an outline of financing measures, as well as an outline of the investment needs, the administrative resources for the implementation of their building renovation plans and the measures intended to support the mainstreaming of adaptation and circularity principles in the renovation of the national building stock .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Staged renovation can be a solution to address the issues of high upfront costs and hassle for the inhabitants that may occur when renovating ‘in one go’. However, such staged renovation needs to be carefully planned in order to avoid that one renovation step precludes necessary subsequent steps . Renovation passports provide a clear roadmap for staged renovation, helping owners and investors plan the best timing and scope for interventions. Therefore, renovation passports should be made available as a voluntary tool to building owners across all Member States.

Staged renovation is not a solution to address the issues of high upfront costs and hassle for the inhabitants that may occur when renovating ‘in one go’. Staged renovation locks buildings in carbon at a high cost for taxpayers while locking low-income households in energy poverty. Addressing the issue of high upfront costs of renovation requires bundling renovation projects and existing financial instruments to reduce the upfront costs by scaling up . Renovation passports should provide a clear roadmap for one-go renovation projects which groups several buildings at the neighbourhood or the city level , helping owners and investors plan the best timing for interventions. Therefore, renovation passports should be made available as a voluntary tool to local and regional authorities across all Member States.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The concept of ‘deep renovation’ has not yet been defined in Union legislation. With a view to achieving the long-term vision for buildings, deep renovation should be defined as a renovation that transforms buildings into zero-emission buildings; in a first step, as a renovation that transforms buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings . This definition serves the purpose of increasing the energy performance of buildings. A deep renovation for energy performance purposes is a prime opportunity to address other aspects such as living conditions of vulnerable households, increasing climate resilience, resilience against disaster risks including seismic resilience, fire safety, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The concept of ‘deep renovation’ has not yet been defined in Union legislation. With a view to achieving the long-term vision for buildings, deep renovation should be defined as a renovation that transforms buildings into zero-emission buildings in one go . This definition serves the purpose of avoiding locking renovated buildings in carbon through staged renovation which results in low ambition . A deep renovation for zero emission purposes is a prime opportunity to address other aspects such as living conditions of vulnerable households, increasing climate resilience, resilience against disaster risks including seismic resilience, fire safety, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, and accessibility for persons with disabilities

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should support energy performance upgrades of existing buildings that contribute to achieving a healthy indoor environment, including through the removal of asbestos and other harmful substances, preventing the illegal removal of harmful substances, and facilitating compliance with existing legislative acts such as Directives 2009/148/EU (1) and (EU) 2016/2284 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Member States and local and regional authorities should support energy performance upgrades that strives to achieve zero-emission building stock and contribute to achieving a healthy indoor environment, including through the removal of asbestos and other harmful substances, preventing the illegal removal of harmful substances, and facilitating compliance with existing legislative acts such as Directives 2009/148/EU (1) and (EU) 2016/2284 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Combined with an increased share of renewable electricity production, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles constitute an important component of a clean energy transition based on energy efficiency measures, alternative fuels, renewable energy and innovative solutions for the management of energy flexibility. Building codes can be effectively used to introduce targeted requirements to support the deployment of recharging infrastructure in car parks of residential and non-residential buildings. Member States should remove barriers such as split incentives and administrative complications which individual owners encounter when trying to install a recharging point on their parking space.

Combined with an increased share of renewable electricity production, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles constitute an important component of a clean energy transition based on energy efficiency measures, alternative fuels, renewable energy and innovative solutions for the management of energy flexibility. Building codes can be effectively used to introduce targeted requirements to support the deployment of recharging infrastructure in car and biking parks of residential and non-residential buildings. Member States should remove barriers such as split incentives and administrative complications which individual owners encounter when trying to install a recharging point on their parking space.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Promoting green mobility is a key part of the European Green Deal and buildings can play an important role in providing the necessary infrastructure, not only for recharging of electric vehicles but also for bicycles. A shift to soft mobility such as cycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport . As set out in the 2030 Climate Target Plan, increasing the modal shares of clean and efficient private and public transport, such as cycling, will drastically lower pollution from transport and bring major benefits to individual citizens and communities. The lack of bike parking spaces is a major barrier to the uptake of cycling, both in residential and non-residential buildings. Building codes can effectively support the transition to cleaner mobility by establishing requirements for a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces.

Promoting green mobility is a key part of the European Green Deal and buildings can play an important role in providing the necessary infrastructure, not only for recharging of electric vehicles but also for bicycles. A shift to soft mobility such as cycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mobility . As set out in the 2030 Climate Target Plan, increasing the modal shares of clean and efficient private and public transport, such as cycling, will drastically lower pollution from mobility and bring major benefits to individual citizens and communities. The lack of bike parking spaces is a major barrier to the uptake of cycling, both in residential and non-residential buildings. Land use and urban planning policies can effectively support the transition to cleaner mobility by establishing requirements for a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The smart readiness indicator should be used to measure the capacity of buildings to use information and communication technologies and electronic systems to adapt the operation of buildings to the needs of the occupants and the grid and to improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. The smart readiness indicator should raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and should give confidence to occupants about the actual savings of those new enhanced-functionalities. The smart readiness indicator is particularly beneficial for large buildings with high energy demand. For other buildings, the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be optional for Member States.

The smart readiness indicator should be used to measure the capacity of buildings to use information and communication technologies and electronic systems to adapt the operation of buildings to the needs of the occupants and the grid and to improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. The smart readiness indicator should raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and should give confidence to occupants about the actual savings of those new enhanced-functionalities. The smart readiness indicator is particularly beneficial for large buildings with high energy demand. For other buildings, the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be optional for Member States. Member States shall ensure adequate training of the technical staff working in local and regional authorities on the subject.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Union financial instruments should be used to give practical effect to the objectives of this Directive, without however substituting national measures. In particular, due to the scale of the renovation effort needed, they should be used for providing appropriate and innovative means of financing to catalyse investment in energy performance of buildings. They could play an important role in the development of national, regional and local energy efficiency funds, instruments, or mechanisms, which deliver such financing possibilities to private property owners, to small and medium-sized enterprises and to energy efficiency service companies.

Union financial instruments should be used to give practical effect to the objectives of this Directive without, however, substituting national measures. In particular, due to the scale of the renovation effort needed, they should be used for providing appropriate and innovative means of financing to catalyse investment in energy performance of buildings. They could play an important role in the development of national, regional and local renovation funds, instruments, or mechanisms, which deliver such financing possibilities to private property owners, to municipalities and local authorities, small and medium-sized enterprises and to energy efficiency service companies.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Financing alone will not deliver on the renovation needs. Together with financing, setting up accessible and transparent advisory tools and assistance instruments such as one-stop-shops that provide integrated energy renovation services or facilitators , as well as implementing other measures and initiatives such as those referred to in the Commission's Smart Finance for Smart Buildings Initiative, is indispensable to provide the right enabling framework and break barriers to renovation.

Financing alone will not deliver on the renovation needs. Together with financing, setting up accessible and transparent advisory tools and assistance instruments such as one-stop-shops that organise and plan the renovation of full neighbourhoods and/or groups of buildings and ensure the construction industry will deliver zero-emission buildings without overestimating the renovation cost , as well as implementing other measures and initiatives aiming at zero-emission buildings is indispensable to provide the right enabling framework and break barriers to renovation. In order to address the current shortage of skilled workers, also within the local and regional departments, significant efforts in building and training adequate skills and capacities will also be needed to ensure a smooth implementation of the process. To this purpose, a formal, specialist, high-quality training plan must be established in the field for staff/technicians working for the various authorities in the Member States that are involved in the various associated processes .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Inefficient buildings are often linked to energy poverty and social problems. Vulnerable households are particularly exposed to increasing energy prices as they spend a larger proportion of their budget on energy products. By reducing excessive energy bills, building renovation can lift people out of energy poverty and also prevent it. At the same time, building renovation does not come for free, and it is essential to ensure that the social impact of the costs for building renovation, notably on vulnerable households, is kept in check . The renovation wave should leave no one behind and be seized as an opportunity to improve the situation of vulnerable households, and a fair transition towards climate neutrality should be ensured. […]

Inefficient buildings are often linked to energy poverty and social problems. Vulnerable households are particularly exposed to increasing energy prices as they spend a larger proportion of their budget on energy products. Eradicating energy poverty requires renovating buildings to zero or nearly — zero emission standard to drastically reduce energy bills, and ensure that they will be energy producers, whenever possible. Renovating buildings occupied by vulnerable households should be done at no cost for them. EU and national financial instruments should support such renovations. The renovation wave should leave no one behind and be seized as an opportunity to improve the situation of vulnerable households, and a fair transition towards climate neutrality should be ensured. […]

The funding and possible guarantees must also specifically cover the new burden on owner-occupiers whose homes, which they have worked hard to pay off over decades, are their old-age pension insurance. Targeting support and guarantees can also facilitate progress and provide incentives here.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The monitoring of the building stock is facilitated by the availability of data collected by digital tools, thereby reducing administrative costs. Therefore, national databases for energy performance of buildings should be set up, and the information contained therein should be transferred to the EU Building Stock Observatory.

The monitoring of the building stock is facilitated by the availability of data collected by digital tools, thereby reducing administrative costs. Therefore, national databases for GHG emissions and energy performance of buildings should be set up, and the information contained therein should be transferred to the EU Building Stock Observatory.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of air-conditioning systems in European countries. That creates considerable problems at peak load times, increasing the cost of electricity and disrupting the energy balance. Priority should be given to strategies which enhance the thermal performance of buildings during the summer period. To that end, there should be focus on measures which avoid overheating, such as shading and sufficient thermal capacity in the building construction, and further development and application of passive cooling techniques, primarily those that improve indoor climatic conditions and the micro-climate around buildings.

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of air-conditioning systems (ACS) in European countries and the expected global warming is likely to increase the number of installed ACSs if upfront action to install passive cooling solutions are not considered during this decade . That creates considerable problems at peak load times, increasing the cost of electricity and disrupting the energy balance. Priority should be given to strategies which enhance the thermal performance of buildings during the summer period. To that end, there should be focus on measures which avoid overheating, such as shading and sufficient thermal capacity in the building construction, and further development and application of passive cooling techniques, primarily those that improve indoor climatic conditions and the micro-climate around buildings.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Since local and regional authorities are critical for the successful implementation of this Directive, they should be consulted and involved, as and when appropriate in accordance with applicable national legislation, on planning issues, the development of programmes to provide information, training and awareness-raising, and on the implementation of this Directive at national or regional level. Such consultations may also serve to promote the provision of adequate guidance to local planners and building inspectors to carry out the necessary tasks. Furthermore, Member States should enable and encourage architects and planners to properly consider the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas.

Since local and regional authorities are essential for the successful implementation of this Directive, they should be consulted and involved, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality and applicable national legislation, on planning issues, the development of programmes to provide information, training and awareness-raising, and on the implementation of this Directive at national or regional and local level. Such consultations should feed into the national Multilevel Energy and Climate Dialogues and may serve to promote the provision of adequate guidance to local planners and building inspectors to carry out the necessary tasks. In this connection, it should be possible, within the framework of this Directive, to respond to the often very disparate conditions of urban areas and rural areas with a high portion of single- and multiple-family homes and varied settlement structure, and to design the specifications in a way that suits each region. Furthermore, Member States and local and regional authorities should enable and encourage architects and planners to properly consider the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency and saving , use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Furthermore, it is essential to promote the use of locally accessible resources and valuable experts in the process of planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas.

Member States have a key role to play in supporting local and regional authorities in this endeavour.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Subject matter

Subject matter

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

‘zero-emission building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by energy from renewable sources generated on-site, from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED] or from a district heating and cooling system, in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex III;

‘zero-emission building’ means a building with very low energy and materials demand over the lifecycle of buildings, a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the very low amount of energy still required is fully covered by energy from renewable sources generated on-site or provided through the grid , from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], from a district heating and cooling system, in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex III or through distributed grid-based renewables ; ‘climate-positive building’ means a building with very low energy and materials demand over the lifecycle of buildings, a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, where the energy production at the building or designated to the building exceeds its energy demand.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

‘nearly zero-energy building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, which cannot be lower than the 2023 cost-optimal level reported by Member States in accordance with Article 6(2) and where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy required is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby;

‘nearly zero-energy building’ means a building with a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I, which cannot be lower than the 2023 cost-optimal level reported by Member States in accordance with Article 6(2) and where the nearly zero or very low amount of energy demand is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby or through recovered waste energy;

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

‘minimum energy performance standards’ means rules that require existing buildings to meet an energy performance requirement as part of a wide renovation plan for a building stock or at a trigger point on the market (sale or rent), in a period of time or by a specific date, thereby triggering renovation of existing buildings ;

‘minimum energy performance standards’ means rules that require existing buildings to meet an energy performance requirement that makes zero- or nearly-zero GHG emissions buildings part of a wide renovation plan for a building stock when renovated by 2032 ;

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

‘Sufficiency’ is a set of measures and daily practices that avoid the demand for energy, materials, land and water while delivering human wellbeing for all within the planetary boundaries .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Each Member State shall establish a national building renovation plan to ensure the renovation of the national stock of residential and non-residential buildings, both public and private, into a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, with the objective to transform existing buildings into zero-emission buildings. The EU should provide Member States, regions and cities with all the necessary tools to develop these plans. Each building renovation plan shall encompass:

The roadmap referred to in point (b) shall include national targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050 as regards the annual energy renovation rate, the primary and final energy consumption of the national building stock and its operational greenhouse gas emission reductions; specific timelines for buildings to achieve higher energy performance classes than those pursuant to Article 9(1), by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings; an evidence-based estimate of expected energy savings and wider benefits […]

The roadmap referred to in point ( c ) shall include national targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050 as regards the annual energy renovation rate, the primary and final energy consumption of the national building stock and its operational greenhouse gas emission reductions; specific timelines for buildings to achieve higher energy performance classes than those pursuant to Article 9(1), by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings; an evidence-based estimate of expected energy savings , emissions reduction and wider benefits , on the basis of locally integrated district or neighbourhood concepts […]

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Setting of minimum energy performance requirements

Setting of minimum energy performance requirements

Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements are set for building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are replaced or retrofitted, with a view to achieving at least cost-optimal levels .

Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that minimum energy performance requirements are set for building elements that form part of the building envelope and that have a significant impact on the energy performance of the building envelope when they are replaced or retrofitted, with a view to achieving zero - emission standard .

When setting requirements, Member States may differentiate between new and existing buildings and between different categories of buildings.

Those requirements shall take account of general indoor climate conditions, in order to avoid possible negative effects such as inadequate ventilation, as well as local conditions and the designated function and the age of the building.

Member States shall review their minimum energy performance requirements at regular intervals which shall not be longer than five years and shall, if necessary, update them in order to reflect technical progress in the building sector, the results of the cost-optimal calculation set out in Article 6, and updated national energy and climate targets and policies.

When setting requirements, Member States may differentiate between new and existing buildings and between different categories of buildings. Those requirements shall take account of the need for appropriate indoor environmental quality conditions as well as local conditions and the designated function and the age of the building. These local conditions should be considered by region, not at national level, as they can often vary from one municipality to another.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Calculation of cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 concerning a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings and building elements. By 30 June 2026, the Commission shall revise the comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements in existing buildings undergoing major renovation and for individual building elements. […]

Calculation of cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 29 concerning a comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings and building elements. By 30 June 2026, the Commission shall replace the comparative methodology framework for calculating cost-optimal levels of minimum energy performance requirements in existing buildings undergoing major renovation and for individual building elements by a methodology to calculate minimum energy performance standard to deliver on zero and nearly-zero emission buildings . […]

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Until the application of the requirements under the first subparagraph, Member States shall ensure that all new buildings are at least nearly zero-energy buildings and meet the minimum energy performance requirements laid down in accordance with Article 5.

Until the application of the requirements under the first subparagraph, Member States shall ensure that all new buildings are at least nearly zero-energy buildings and meet the minimum energy performance requirements laid down in accordance with Article 5.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Existing buildings

Existing buildings

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Minimum energy performance standards

Minimum energy performance standards

Member States may require an extension of the deadline set in this paragraph, if justified and requested to the European Commission and in accordance with the national building renovation plan referred to in Article 3(1)(a), with regards to specific parts of their building stock.

In their roadmap referred to in Article 3(1)(b), Member States shall establish specific timelines for the buildings referred to in this paragraph to achieve higher energy performance classes by 2040 and 2050, in line with the pathway for transforming the national building stock into zero-emission buildings.

In their roadmap referred to in Article 3(1)(b), Member States shall establish specific planning to renovate all buildings to zero or nearly zero- emission standard and ensure the overall building stock is decarbonised by 2050.

Member States may also apply locally integrated district or neighbourhood approaches, ensuring that all buildings on average meet the zero-carbon standards. For buildings of historical merit, the date shall be determined by the Member State on the basis of technical and feasibility assessments. Their emissions should be compensated through the promotion of climate-positive buildings and expanding the production of renewable energy supplied by the grid .

The above-mentioned buildings will still have to be renovated with a view to reducing as much as possible their carbon footprint and avoid hindering the achievement of the overall target of climate neutrality.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Renovation passport

Renovation passport

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Infrastructure for sustainable mobility

Infrastructure for sustainable mobility

Where the car park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car park or the electrical infrastructure of the car park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned so as to enable the simultaneous use of the expected number of recharging points. By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, point (a), for new office buildings and office buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every two parking spaces.

Where the car and the bicycle park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car and bicycle park or the electrical infrastructure of the car and bicycle park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned so as to enable the simultaneous use of the expected number of recharging points. By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, point (a), for new office buildings and office buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than five parking spaces, Member States shall ensure the installation of at least one recharging point for every two parking spaces.

Where, in the case of major renovation, ensuring two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling is not feasible, Member States shall ensure as many bicycle parking spaces as appropriate.

Where the car park is physically adjacent to the building, and, for major renovations, renovation measures include the car park or the electrical infrastructure of the car park. Member States shall ensure that the pre-cabling is dimensioned to enable the simultaneous use of recharging points on all parking spaces. Where, in the case of major renovation, ensuring two bicycle parking spaces for every dwelling is not feasible, Member States shall ensure as many bicycle parking spaces as appropriate.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The Commission shall, by 31 December 2025, and after having consulted the relevant stakeholders, adopt an implementing act detailing the technical modalities for the effective implementation of the application of the scheme referred to in paragraph 2 to non-residential buildings with an effective rated output for heating systems, or systems for combined heating and ventilation of over 290 kW.

The Commission shall, by 31 December 2025, and after having consulted the relevant stakeholders, adopt an implementing act detailing the technical modalities for the effective implementation of the application of the scheme referred to in paragraph 2 to non-residential buildings with an effective rated output for heating and cooling systems, or systems for combined heating and ventilation of over 290 kW.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Financial incentives and market barriers

Financial incentives and market barriers

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Energy performance certificates

Energy performance certificates

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The requirement to issue an energy performance certificate does not apply where a certificate, issued in accordance with either Directive 2010/31/EU or this Directive, for the building or building unit concerned is available and valid.

The requirement to issue an energy performance certificate does not apply where a certificate, issued in accordance with either Directive 2010/31/EU or this Directive, for the building or building unit concerned is available and valid.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States shall require that, when buildings or building units are constructed, sold or rented out  or when rental contracts are renewed , the energy performance certificate is shown to the prospective tenant or buyer and handed over to the buyer or tenant.

Member States shall require that, when buildings or building units are constructed, sold or rented out, the energy performance certificate is shown to the prospective new tenant or buyer and handed over to the buyer or new tenant.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Databases for energy performance of buildings 1. Each Member State shall set up a national database for energy performance of buildings which allows data to be gathered on the energy performance of the buildings and on the overall energy performance of the national building stock. The database shall allow data to be gathered related to energy performance certificates, inspections, the building renovation passport, the smart readiness indicator and the calculated or metered energy consumption of the buildings covered.

Databases for energy performance and emissions of buildings 1. Each Member State shall set up national databases, with regional breakdown, for energy performance of buildings and their related emissions which allows data to be gathered on the energy performance of the buildings and on the overall energy performance and emissions of the national building stock. The database shall allow data to be gathered related to energy performance certificates, inspections, the building renovation passport, the smart readiness indicator and the calculated or metered energy consumption of the buildings covered.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States shall ensure that guidance and training are made available for those responsible for implementing this Directive. Such guidance and training shall address the importance of improving energy performance, and shall enable consideration of the optimal combination of improvements in energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Such guidance and training may also address structural improvements, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, air pollutant emissions (including fine particulate matter) and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Member States shall ensure that guidance and training are made available for local and regional authorities and those responsible for implementing this Directive. Such guidance and training shall address the importance of reducing energy and materials demand and, improving energy performance to ensure buildings are at zero and nearly-zero emission standards over their life cycle , and shall enable consideration of the optimal combination of energy and materials demand reduction, improvements in energy efficiency, zero greenhouse gas emissions, use of energy from renewable sources and use of district heating and cooling when planning, designing, building and renovating industrial or residential areas. Such guidance and training should also include land use and urban planning policies and may also address structural improvements, adaptation to climate change, fire safety, risks related to intense seismic activity, the removal of hazardous substances including asbestos, air pollutant emissions (including fine particulate matter) and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The total annual primary energy use of a new zero-emission building shall comply with the maximum thresholds indicated in the table below. […] The total annual primary energy use of a new or renovated zero-emission building shall be fully covered, on a net annual basis, by – energy from renewable sources generated on-site and fulfilling the criteria of Article 7 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], – renewable energy provided from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Article 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], or – renewable energy and waste heat from an efficient district heating and cooling system in accordance with Article (24(1) of Directive (EU) …/… [recast EED]. A zero-emission building shall not cause any on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Only where, due to the nature of the building or lack of access to renewable energy communities or eligible district heating and cooling systems, it is technically not feasible to fulfil the requirements under the first paragraph, the total annual primary energy use may also be covered by energy from the grid complying with criteria established at national level.

The total annual primary energy use of a new zero-emission building shall comply with the methodology of articles 4-6. These should be developed and complemented with requirements on greenhouse gas emissions to ensure the compliance with the EU climate neutrality target. The total annual primary energy use of a new or renovated zero-emission building shall be fully covered, on a net annual basis, by – energy from renewable or waste energy sources generated on-site or provided through the grid and fulfilling the criteria of Article 7 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], – renewable energy provided from a renewable energy community within the meaning of Article 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 [amended RED], or – renewable energy and waste heat from an efficient district heating and cooling system in accordance with Article (24(1) of Directive (EU) …/… [recast EED]. A zero-emission building shall not cause any on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Only where, due to the nature of the building or lack of access to renewable energy communities or eligible district heating and cooling systems, it is technically not feasible to fulfil the requirements under the first paragraph, the total annual primary energy use may also be covered by energy from the grid complying with criteria established at national level.