Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

A fair transition towards a climate-neutral Union by 2050 is central to the European Green Deal. Energy poverty is a key concept consolidated in the legislative package entitled ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ and designed to facilitate a just energy transition. Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), the Commission provided indicative guidance on appropriate indicators for measuring energy poverty and defining what a ‘significant number of households in energy poverty’ is. (2) Directive (EU) 2019/944 and Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) requires Member States to take appropriate measures to address energy poverty wherever it is identified, including measures addressing the broader context of poverty.

A fair transition towards a climate-neutral Union by 2050 is central to the European Green Deal. Energy poverty is a key concept consolidated in the legislative package entitled ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ and designed to facilitate a just energy transition. Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), the Commission provided indicative guidance on appropriate indicators for measuring energy poverty and defining what a ‘significant number of households in energy poverty’ is. (5) Directive (EU) 2019/944 and Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (6) requires Member States to take appropriate measures to address energy poverty wherever it is identified, whether it affects vulnerable households, vulnerable businesses, especially micro and small enterprises or vulnerable mobility users; measures addressing the broader context of poverty should also be included .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Low- and medium-income households, vulnerable customers, including final users, people facing or risking energy poverty and people living in social housing should benefit from the application of the energy efficiency first principle. Energy efficiency measures should be implemented as a priority to improve the situations of those individuals and households or to alleviate energy poverty. A holistic approach in policy making and in implementing policies and measures requires Member States to ensure that other policies and measures have no adverse effect on these individuals and households.

Low- and medium-income households, micro and small enterprises, vulnerable customers, including final users, people facing or risking energy and mobility poverty and people living in social housing should benefit from the application of the energy efficiency first principle. Energy efficiency measures should be implemented as a priority to improve the situations of those individuals and households or to alleviate energy poverty. A holistic approach in policy making and in implementing policies and measures requires Member States to ensure that other policies and measures have no direct or indirect adverse effect on these individuals and households.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

It would be preferable for the energy efficiency target to be achieved as a result of the cumulative implementation of specific national and European measures promoting energy efficiency in different fields. Member States should be required to set national energy efficiency policies and measures. Those policies and measures and the individual efforts of each Member State should be evaluated by the Commission, alongside data on the progress made, to assess the likelihood of achieving the overall Union target and the extent to which the individual efforts are sufficient to meet the common goal.

It would be preferable for the energy efficiency target to be achieved as a result of the cumulative implementation of specific local, regional, national and European measures promoting energy efficiency in different fields. Member States should be required to set national energy efficiency policies and measures. Those policies and measures and the individual efforts of each Member State should be evaluated by the Commission, alongside data on the progress made, to assess the likelihood of achieving the overall Union target and the extent to which the individual efforts are sufficient to meet the common goal.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

To fulfil their obligation, Member States should target the final energy consumption of all public services and installations of public bodies. To determine the scope of addressees, Member States should apply the definition of contracting authorities provided in the Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (7). The obligation can be fulfilled by the reduction of final energy consumption in any area of the public sector, including transport, public buildings, healthcare, spatial planning, water management and wastewater treatment, sewage and water purification, waste management, district heating and cooling, energy distribution, supply and storage, public lighting, infrastructure planning. To lower the administrative burden for public bodies, Member States should establish digital platforms or tools to collect the aggregated consumption data from public bodies, make them publicly available, and report the data to the Commission.

To fulfil their obligation, Member States should target the final energy consumption of all public services and installations of public bodies. To determine the scope of addressees, Member States should apply the definition of contracting authorities provided in the Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (8). The obligation can be fulfilled by the reduction of final energy consumption in any area of the public sector, including transport, public buildings, healthcare, spatial planning, water management and wastewater treatment, sewage and water purification, waste management, district heating and cooling, energy distribution, supply and storage, public lighting, infrastructure planning. To lower the administrative burden for local and regional authorities and other public bodies, Member States should establish digital platforms or tools to collect the aggregated consumption data from all public bodies, make them publicly available, and report the data to the Commission. Member States will have to ensure that local and regional authorities and other public bodies are sufficiently equipped for such data gathering.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should exercise an exemplary role by ensuring that all energy performance contracts and energy management systems are carried out in the public sector in line with European or international standards, or that energy audits are used to a large extent in the intense energy consuming parts of the public sector.

Member States, regions and local authorities should exercise an exemplary role by ensuring that all energy performance contracts and energy management systems are carried out in the public sector in line with European or international standards, or that energy audits are used to a large extent in the intense energy consuming parts of the public sector. To achieve this objective, Member States will have to provide clear guidance and procedures for the use of these instruments.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Public authorities are encouraged to obtain support from entities such as sustainable energy agencies, where applicable established at regional or local level. The organisation of those agencies usually reflect the individual needs of public authorities in a certain region or operating in a certain area of the public sector. Centralised agencies can serve the needs better and work more effectively in other respects, for example, in smaller or centralised Member States or regarding complex or cross-regional aspects such as district heating and cooling. Sustainable energy agencies can serve as one-stop-shops pursuant to Article 21. Those agencies are often responsible for developing local or regional decarbonisation plans, which may also include other decarbonisation measures, such as the exchange of fossil fuels boilers, and to support public authorities in the implementation of energy related policies. Sustainable energy agencies or other entities to assist regional and local authorities may have clear competences, objectives and resources in the field of sustainable energy. Sustainable energy agencies could be encouraged to consider initiatives taken in the framework of the Covenant of Mayors, which brings together local governments voluntarily committed to implementing the Union’s climate and energy objectives, and other existing initiatives for this purpose. The decarbonisation plans should be linked to territorial development plans and take into account the comprehensive assessment which the Member States should carry out.

Public authorities are encouraged to obtain support from entities such as sustainable energy agencies, where applicable established at regional or local level. The organisation of those agencies usually reflect the individual needs of public authorities in a certain region or operating in a certain area of the public sector. Centralised agencies can serve the needs better and work more effectively in other respects, for example, in smaller or centralised Member States or regarding complex or cross-regional aspects such as district heating and cooling. Sustainable energy agencies can serve as one-stop-shops pursuant to Article 21. Those agencies are often responsible for developing local or regional decarbonisation plans, which may also include other decarbonisation measures, such as the exchange of fossil fuels boilers, and to support public authorities in the implementation of energy related policies. Sustainable energy agencies or other entities to assist regional and local authorities may have clear competences, objectives and resources in the field of sustainable energy. Sustainable energy agencies could be encouraged to consider initiatives taken by local and regional governments, in their fight against climate change, as part of the plans they have drawn up in this area either on the basis of a legal mandate or on a voluntary basis including in the framework of the Covenant of Mayors, which brings together local governments voluntarily committed to implementing the Union’s climate and energy objectives, and other existing initiatives for this purpose. The plans to combat climate change should be linked to territorial development plans and take into account the comprehensive assessment, which the Member States should carry out. These plans should also feed into energy and climate planning at national level, starting from the periodical revision of National Energy and Climate Plans: the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action should be revised accordingly .

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should support public bodies in planning and the uptake of energy efficiency improvement measures, including at regional and local levels, by providing guidelines promoting competence building and training opportunities and encouraging cooperation amongst public bodies including amongst agencies. For that purpose, Member States could set up national competence centres on complex issues, such as advising local or regional energy agencies on district heating or cooling.

Member States should support local and regional authorities as well as other public bodies in planning and the uptake of energy efficiency improvement measures, including at regional and local levels, by providing financial and technical support and submitting plans addressing the lack of workforce and qualified professionals needed for all stages of the green transition, including craftsmen as well as high-skilled green technology experts, applied scientists and innovators. Member States should support public bodies to take into account the wider benefits beyond energy savings, such as healthy indoor climate with improved indoor air and environmental quality as well as the improvement of quality of life, especially for schools, daycares, sheltered housing, nursing homes and hospitals. Member States should provide guidelines promoting competence building and training opportunities and encourage cooperation amongst public bodies including amongst agencies. For that purpose, Member States could set up national and regional competence centres on complex issues, such as advising local or regional energy agencies on district heating or cooling.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Buildings and transport, alongside industry, are the main energy users and main source of emissions (9). Buildings are responsible for about 40 % of the Union’s total energy consumption and for 36 % of its GHG from energy (10). The Commission Communication entitled Renovation Wave (11) addresses the twin challenge of energy and resource efficiency and affordability in the building sector and aims at doubling the renovation rate. It focusses on the worst performing buildings, energy poverty and on public buildings. Moreover, buildings are crucial to achieving the Union objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Buildings owned by public bodies account for a considerable share of the building stock and have high visibility in public life. It is therefore appropriate to set an annual rate of renovation of buildings owned by public bodies on the territory of a Member State to upgrade their energy performance. Member States are invited to set a higher renovation rate, where that is cost-effective in the framework of the renovation of their buildings stock in conformity with their Long Term Renovation Strategies or national renovation programmes. That renovation rate should be without prejudice to the obligations with regard to nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) set in Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (12). During the next review of Directive 2010/31/EU, the Commission should assess the progress Member States achieved regarding the renovation ofpublic bodies’ buildings. The Commission should consider submitting a legislative proposal to revise the renovation rate, while taking into account the progress achieved by the Member States, substantial economic or technical developments, or where needed, the Union’s commitments for decarbonisation and zero pollution. The obligation to renovate public bodies’ buildings in this Directive complements that Directive, which requires Member States to ensure that when existing buildings undergo major renovation their energy performance is upgraded so that they meet the requirements on NZEBs.

Buildings and transport, alongside industry, are the main energy users and main source of emissions (13). Buildings are responsible for about 40 % of the Union’s total energy consumption and for 36 % of its GHG from energy (14). The Commission Communication entitled Renovation Wave (15) addresses the twin challenge of energy and resource efficiency and affordability in the building sector and aims at doubling the renovation rate. It focusses on the worst performing buildings, energy poverty and on public buildings. Moreover, buildings are crucial to achieving the Union objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Buildings owned by public bodies account for a considerable share of the building stock and have high visibility in public life. It is therefore appropriate to set an annual rate of renovation of buildings owned by public bodies on the territory of a Member State to upgrade their energy performance. Member States are invited to set a higher renovation rate, where that is cost-effective in the framework of the renovation of their buildings stock in conformity with their Long Term Renovation Strategies or national renovation programmes. That renovation rate should be without prejudice to the obligations with regard to nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) set in Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (16). During the next review of Directive 2010/31/EU, the Commission should assess the progress Member States achieved regarding the renovation ofpublic bodies’ buildings. The Commission should consider submitting a legislative proposal to revise the renovation rate, while taking into account the progress achieved by the Member States, substantial economic or technical developments, or where needed, the Union’s commitments for decarbonisation and zero pollution. The obligation to renovate public bodies’ buildings in this Directive complements that Directive, which requires Member States to ensure that when existing buildings undergo major renovation their energy performance is upgraded so that they meet the requirements on NZEBs where applicable . Additional guidance will be provided by the European Commission and the Member States on the deep renovation of buildings with historic value: specific initiatives aimed at supporting the renovation of such buildings will be put in place including different types of energy performance interventions.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

In 2020, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. That figure is expected to reach 68 % by 2050 (17). In addition, half of the urban infrastructures by 2050 are still to be built (18). Cities and metropolitan areas are centres of economic activity, knowledge generation, innovation and new technologies. Cities influence the quality of life of the citizens who live or work in them. Member States should support municipalities technically and financially. A number of municipalities and other public bodies in the Member States have already put into place integrated approaches to energy saving and energy supply, for example via sustainable energy action plans, such as those developed under the Covenant of Mayors initiative , and integrated urban approaches which go beyond individual interventions in buildings or transport modes.

In 2020, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. That figure is expected to reach 68 % by 2050 (19). In addition, half of the urban infrastructures by 2050 are still to be built (20). Cities and metropolitan areas are centres of economic activity, knowledge generation, innovation and new technologies. Cities influence the quality of life of the citizens who live or work in them. Member States should support local authorities technically and financially. A number of local and regional authorities and other public bodies in the Member States have already put into place integrated approaches to energy saving, energy supply and sustainable mobility on the basis of a legal mandate or on a voluntary basis , for example via sustainable energy action plans, such as those developed under the Covenant of Mayors and integrated urban approaches such as those developed under Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans , which go beyond individual interventions in buildings or transport modes. Further efforts are needed in the area of improving the energy efficiency of urban mobility, both passenger and freight transport. Considering the significant additional efforts that are asked from local and regional authorities that are at the forefront of the energy transition, it needs to be ensured that these local and regional authorities have an easy access to receive the necessary financial support for implementing their Sustainable Energy and Climate Plans and Sustainable Urban Mobility green transition plans from the European instruments. To this end, particular attention will be given to the implementation of measures that already exist within the current legal framework. This is relevant for example throughout the implementation of the European funds such as the MFF and NextGenerationEU including the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Structural Funds and the Cohesion Policy Funds, the Rural Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund, as well as the financial instruments and technical assistance available under InvestEU. The active involvement of regions and, where applicable, local authorities in the development and implementation of the Partnership agreements and Operational Programmes is crucial, together with the provision of direct support for sustainable urban development as well as sufficient resources under the Policy Objective for a greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

All public entities investing public resources through procurement should lead by example when awarding contracts and concessions by choosing products, services works and buildings with the highest energy efficiency performance, also in relation to those procurements that are not subject to specific requirements under Directive 2009/30/EC. In that context, all award procedures for public contracts and concessions with the value above the thresholds set out in Articles 6 and 7 of Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (21), Article 2(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (22), and Articles 3 and 4 of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, need to take into account the energy efficiency performance of the products, buildings and services set by Union or national law, by considering as priority the energy efficiency first principle in their procurement procedures.

All public entities investing public resources through procurement should lead by example when awarding contracts and concessions by choosing products, services works and buildings with the highest energy efficiency performance, also in relation to those procurements that are not subject to specific requirements under Directive 2009/30/EC; the green and circular public procurement criteria should be used as guidance in this regard . In that context, all award procedures for public contracts and concessions with the value above the thresholds set out in Articles 6 and 7 of Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (23), Article 2(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (24), and Articles 3 and 4 of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, need to take into account the energy efficiency performance of the products, buildings and services set by Union or national law, by considering as priority the energy efficiency first principle in their procurement procedures.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

It is important that Member States provide the necessary support to public bodies in the uptake of energy efficiency requirements in public procurement and, where appropriate, use of green public procurement, by providing necessary guidelines and methodologies on carrying out the assessment of life-cycle costs, and environment impacts and costs. Well-designed tools, in particular digital tools, are expected to facilitate the procurement procedures and reduce the administrative costs especially in smaller Member States that may not have sufficient capacity to prepare tenders. In this regard, Member States should actively promote the use of digital tools and cooperation amongst contracting authorities including across borders for the purpose of exchanging best practice.

It is important that Member States provide the necessary support to local authorities, regional authorities and other public bodies in the uptake of energy efficiency requirements in public procurement and, where appropriate, use of green public procurement, by providing necessary guidelines and methodologies on carrying out the assessment of life-cycle costs, and environment impacts and costs. Well-designed tools, in particular digital tools, are expected to facilitate the procurement procedures and reduce the administrative costs especially in smaller Member States that may not have sufficient capacity to prepare tenders. In this regard, Member States should actively promote the use of digital tools and cooperation amongst contracting authorities including across borders for the purpose of exchanging best practice. In addition to that, specific capacity-building activities should be carried out in order to ensure that administrations of all sizes have access to the same tools and opportunities, also in the framework of the RePowerEU Plan .

Member States should promote the production of biogas from organic urban waste in municipalities and groupings of municipalities, as well as the installation of photovoltaic panels on public buildings.

Groupings of irrigation communities should also be promoted as producers and injectors of photovoltaic energy into the general electricity grid.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

This Directive refers to the concept of vulnerable customers, which Member States are to establish pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/944. In addition, pursuant to Directive 2012/27/EU, the notion of ‘final users’ alongside the notion of ‘final customer’ clarifies that the rights to billing and consumption information also apply to consumers without individual or direct contracts with the supplier of energy used for collective heating, cooling or domestic hot water production systems in multi-occupant buildings. The concept of vulnerable customers does not necessarily ensure the targeting of final users. Therefore, in order to ensure that the measures set out in this Directive reach all individuals and households in a situation of vulnerability, Member States should include not only customers, in its strict sense, but also final users, in establishing their definition of vulnerable customers.

This Directive refers to the concept of vulnerable customers, which Member States are to establish pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/944. In addition, pursuant to Directive 2012/27/EU, the notion of ‘final users’ alongside the notion of ‘final customer’ clarifies that the rights to billing and consumption information also apply to consumers without individual or direct contracts with the supplier of energy used for collective heating, cooling or domestic hot water production systems in multi-occupant buildings. The concept of vulnerable customers does not necessarily ensure the targeting of final users. Therefore, in order to ensure that the measures set out in this Directive reach all individuals and households in a situation of vulnerability, Member States should include not only customers, in its strict sense, but also final users, in establishing their definition of vulnerable customers. The concept of vulnerable micro and small enterprises, as defined in the Social Climate Fund, is also in the scope of the Directive.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

It is crucial to raise the awareness of all Union citizens about the benefits of increased energy efficiency and to provide them with accurate information on the ways in which it can be achieved. Citizens of all ages should also be involved in the energy transition via the European Climate Pact and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Increased energy efficiency is also highly important for the security of energy supply of the Union through lowering its dependence on import of fuels from third countries.

It is crucial to raise the awareness of all Union citizens about the benefits of increased energy efficiency and to provide them with accurate information on the ways in which it can be achieved. Citizens of all ages should also be involved in the energy transition via the European Climate Pact , the Erasmus+ programme and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Increased energy efficiency is also highly important for the security of energy supply of the Union through lowering its dependence on import of fuels from third countries.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

When implementing this Directive and taking other measures in the field of energy efficiency, Member States should pay particular attention to synergies between energy efficiency measures and the efficient use of natural resources in line with the principles of the circular economy.

When implementing Directive 2012/27/EU as amended by this Directive and taking other measures in the field of energy efficiency, Member States should pay particular attention to synergies between energy efficiency measures and the efficient use of natural resources in line with the zero-pollution ambition and with the principles of the circular economy , and nature and biodiversity protection.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The contribution of renewable energy communities, pursuant to Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (25), and citizen energy communities, according to Directive (EU) 2019/944 towards the objectives of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Climate Target Plan, should be recognised. Member States should, therefore, consider and promote the role of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities. Those communities can help Member States to achieve the objectives of this Directive by advancing energy efficiency at local or household level. They can empower and engage consumers and enable certain groups of household customers, including in rural and remote areas to participate in energy efficiency projects and interventions. Energy communities can help fighting energy poverty through facilitation of energy efficiency projects, reduced energy consumption and lower supply tariffs.

The contribution of renewable energy communities, pursuant to Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (26), and citizen energy communities, according to Directive (EU) 2019/944 towards the objectives of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Climate Target Plan, should be recognised. Member States should, therefore, consider and promote the role of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities. Those communities can help Member States to achieve the objectives of this Directive and implement the energy efficiency first principle by advancing energy efficiency at local or household level as well as in public buildings in collaboration with local authorities . They can empower and engage consumers and enable certain groups of household customers, including in rural and remote areas to participate in energy efficiency projects and interventions. Energy communities can help fighting energy poverty through facilitation of energy efficiency projects, reduced energy consumption and lower supply tariffs. To this purpose, Member States should review the implementing legislation and procedures with a view to removing unnecessary hurdles and bottlenecks. Public administrations at all levels should be duly trained on the subject. These efforts will also contribute to improving the energy security of the EU.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Public funding available at national and Union level should be strategically invested into energy efficiency improvement measures, in particular for the benefit of vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and those living in social housing. Member States should take advantage of any financial contribution they might receive from the Social Climate Fund [Social Climate Fund Regulation], and of revenues from allowances from the EU Emissions Trading System. These revenues will support Member States in fulfilling their obligation to implement energy efficiency measures and policy measures under the energy savings obligation as a priority among vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty, which may include those living in rural and remote regions.

Public funding available at national and Union level should be strategically invested into energy efficiency improvement measures, in particular for the benefit of vulnerable customers, people affected by energy poverty and those living in social housing. Member States , in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, should take advantage of any financial contribution they might receive from the Social Climate Fund [Social Climate Fund Regulation], and of revenues from allowances from the EU Emissions Trading System. These revenues will support Member States in fulfilling their obligation to implement energy efficiency measures and policy measures under the energy savings obligation as a priority among vulnerable customers and people affected by energy poverty, which may include those living in rural and remote regions.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Long-term behavioural changes in energy consumption can be achieved through the empowerment of citizens. Energy communities can help deliver long-term energy savings, particularly among households, and an increase in sustainable investments from citizens and small businesses. Member States should empower such actions by citizens through support for community energy projects and organisations.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States and regions should be encouraged to make full use of the European funds available in the MFF and NextGenerationEU including the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Cohesion Policy Funds, the Rural Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund, as well as the financial instruments and technical assistance available under InvestEU, to trigger private and public investments in energy efficiency improvement measures. Investment in energy efficiency has the potential to contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation and a reduction in energy poverty in households, and therefore makes a positive contribution to economic, social and territorial cohesion and green recovery. Potential areas for funding include energy efficiency measures in public buildings and housing, and providing new skills to promote employment in the energy efficiency sector. The Commission will ensure synergies between the different funding instruments, in particular the funds in the shared management and in the direct management (like the centrally managed programmes: Horizon Europe or LIFE), as well as between grants, loans and technical assistance to maximise their leverage effect on private financing and their impact on the achievement of energy efficiency policy objectives.

Member States, regions, cities and municipalities should be encouraged to make full use of the European funds available in the MFF and NextGenerationEU including the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Cohesion Policy Funds, the Rural Development Fund and the Just Transition Fund, as well as the financial instruments and technical assistance available under InvestEU, to trigger private and public investments in energy efficiency improvement measures particularly at the local level. They should ensure the active involvement of local authorities in the development and implementation of the Partnership agreements and Operational Programmes and provide them with direct support for sustainable urban development as well as sufficient resources under the Policy Objective for a greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy . Investment in energy efficiency has the potential to contribute to economic growth, employment, innovation and a reduction in energy poverty in households, and therefore makes a positive contribution to economic, social and territorial cohesion and green recovery. Potential areas for funding include energy efficiency measures in public buildings and housing, and the training, reskilling and upskilling of professionals, in particular in jobs related to building renovation to promote employment in the energy efficiency sector. To this purpose, efforts will have to be stepped up at European and Member State level to increase the capacities of local and regional authorities to deal with European Funds and therefore enhance the overall absorption capacity of EU regions and cities. The Commission will aim for an easy access of cities and regions to the centrally managed programmes as well as for more funds that can be received directly. It will ensure synergies between the different funding instruments, in particular the funds in the shared management and in the direct management (like the centrally managed programmes: Horizon Europe or LIFE), as well as between grants, loans and technical assistance to maximise their leverage effect on private financing and their impact on the achievement of energy efficiency policy objectives.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States should encourage the use of financing facilities to further the objectives of this Directive. Such financing facilities could include financial contributions and fines from non-fulfilment of certain provisions of this Directive; resources allocated to energy efficiency under Article 10(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (27); resources allocated to energy efficiency in the European funds and programmes, and dedicated European financial instruments, such as the European Energy Efficiency Fund.

Member States should encourage the use of financing facilities to further the objectives of this Directive. Such financing facilities could include financial contributions and fines from non-fulfilment of certain provisions of this Directive; resources allocated to energy efficiency under Article 10(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (28); resources allocated to energy efficiency in the European funds and programmes, and dedicated European financial instruments, such as the European Energy Efficiency Fund.

To this purpose, the European Commission and the Members States will have to work on building platforms aimed at aggregating small and medium-sized projects with a view to creating pools of projects suitable for financing purposes.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Available Union funding programmes, financial instruments and innovative financing mechanisms should be used to give practical effect to the objective of improving the energy performance of public bodies’ buildings. In that respect, Member States may use their revenues from annual emission allocations under Decision No 406/2009/EC in the development of such mechanisms on a voluntary basis and taking into account national budgetary rules.

Available Union funding programmes, financial instruments and innovative financing mechanisms should be used to give practical effect to the objective of improving the energy performance of public bodies’ buildings. In that respect, Member States may use their revenues from annual emission allocations under Decision No 406/2009/EC in the development of such mechanisms on a voluntary basis and taking into account national budgetary rules.

The European Commission and the Member States will have to provide regional and local administrations with adequate information and training on such programmes in order to enhance their capacity to attract financial resources. The Covenant of Mayors platform could be one of the tools for such action, also in the framework of the RePowerEU plan, alongside other tools established under existing climate change regulations at regional and local level.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Local and regional authorities should be given a leading role in the development and design, execution and assessment of the measures laid down in this Directive, so that they are able properly to address the specific features of their own climate, culture and society.

Local and regional authorities should be given a leading role in the development and design, execution and assessment of the measures laid down in this Directive, so that they are able properly to address the specific features of their own climate, culture and society.

The European Commission will work in close cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions to support local and regional authorities in this endeavour.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States shall collectively ensure a reduction of energy consumption of at least 9 % in 2030 compared to the projections of the 2020 Reference Scenario so that the Union’s final energy consumption amounts to no more than 787 Mtoe and the Union’s primary energy consumption amounts to no more than 1 023 Mtoe in 2030.

Member States shall collectively ensure a reduction of energy consumption of at least 9 % in 2030 compared to the projections of the 2020 Reference Scenario so that the Union’s final energy consumption amounts to no more than 787 Mtoe and the Union’s primary energy consumption or cumulative energy consumption amounts to no more than 1 023 Mtoe in 2030.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Each Member State shall set national energy efficiency contributions for final and primary energy consumption to meet, collectively, the binding Union target set in paragraph 1. Member States shall notify those contributions together with an indicative trajectory for those contributions to the Commission as part of the updates of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, and as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans as referred to in, and in accordance with, the procedure set out in Article 3 and Articles 7 to 12 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. When doing so, Member States shall use the formula defined in Annex I of this Directive and explain how, and on the basis of which data, the contributions have been calculated.

Each Member State shall set indicative national energy efficiency contributions for final and primary energy consumption to meet, collectively, the binding Union target set in paragraph 1. Member States shall notify those contributions together with an indicative trajectory with milestones for those contributions to the Commission as part of the updates of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, and as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans as referred to in, and in accordance with, the procedure set out in Article 3 and Articles 7 to 12 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. When doing so, Member States shall use the formula defined in Annex I of this Directive and explain how, and on the basis of which data, the contributions have been calculated.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

[…]

[…]

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Public sector leading on energy efficiency

Public sector leading on energy efficiency

Member States may take into account climatic variations within the Member State when calculating their public bodies’ final energy consumption.

Member States may take into account climatic variations within the Member State when calculating their public bodies’ final energy consumption.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Partnerships for energy transition

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings

Exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings

Where public bodies occupy a building that they do not own, they shall exercise their contractual rights to the extent possible and encourage the building owner to renovate the building to a nearly zero-energy building in accordance with Article 9 of Directive 2010/31/EU. When concluding a new contract for occupying a building they do not own, public bodies shall aim for that building to fall into the top two energy efficiency classes on the energy performance certificate.

Where public bodies occupy a building that they do not own, they shall encourage the building owner to execute a deep or staged-deep renovation of the building to a nearly zero-energy building in accordance with Article 9 of Directive 2010/31/EU with the aim to fulfil the total energy savings potential to the extent it is cost efficient and technically feasible . When concluding a new contract for occupying a building they do not own, public bodies shall aim for that building to fall into the top two energy efficiency classes on the energy performance certificate , or other performance levels relevant to the Member State .

The rate of at least 3 % shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings having a total useful floor area over 250 m2 owned by public bodies of the Member State concerned and which, on 1 January 2024, are not nearly zero-energy buildings.

The average rate of at least 3 % counted over a period of every five years shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings having a total useful floor area over 250 m2 owned by public bodies of the Member State concerned and which, on 1 January 2024, are not nearly zero-energy buildings.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

To ensure transparency in the application of energy efficiency requirements in the procurement process, Member States shall make publicly available information on the energy efficiency impact of contracts with a value equal to or greater than the thresholds referred to in paragraph 1. Contracting authorities may decide to require that tenderers disclose information on the life cycle global warming potential of a new building and may make that information publicly available for the contracts, in particular for new buildings having a floor area larger than 2 000 square metres.

To ensure transparency in the application of energy efficiency requirements in the procurement process, Member States shall make publicly available information on the energy efficiency impact of contracts with a value equal to or greater than the thresholds referred to in paragraph 1. Contracting authorities may decide to require that tenderers disclose information on the life cycle global warming potential of a new building and may make that information publicly available for the contracts, in particular for new buildings having a floor area larger than 2 000 square metres.

Member States shall support contracting authorities and contracting entities in the uptake of energy efficiency requirements, including at regional and local level, by providing clear rules and guidelines including methodologies on the assessment of lifecycle costs and environment impacts and costs, set up competence support centres, encouraging cooperation amongst contracting authorities including across borders and using aggregated procurement and digital procurement where possible.

Member States shall support contracting authorities and contracting entities in the uptake of energy efficiency requirements, including at regional and local level, by providing clear rules and guidelines including methodologies on the assessment of lifecycle costs and environment impacts and costs, set up competence support centres, encouraging cooperation amongst contracting authorities including across borders and using aggregated procurement and digital procurement where possible

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

In designing such policy measures, Member States shall consider and promote the role of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities in the contribution to the implementation towards these policy measures.

In designing such policy measures, Member States shall consider and promote the role of renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities in the contribution to the implementation towards these policy measures.

Member States shall achieve a share of the required amount of cumulative end-use energy savings among people affected by energy poverty vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing. This share shall at least equal the proportion of households in energy poverty as assessed in their National Energy and Climate Plan established in accordance with Article 3(3)(d) of the Governance Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. If a Member State had not notified the share of households in energy poverty as assessed in their National Energy and Climate Plan, the share of the required amount of cumulative end-use energy savings among people affected by energy poverty vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing, shall at least equal the arithmetic average share of the following indicators for the year 2019 or, if not available for 2019, for the linear extrapolation of their values for the last three years that are available:

Member States shall achieve a share of the required amount of cumulative end-use energy savings among people affected by energy poverty vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing , as well as vulnerable micro and small enterprises and vulnerable mobility users. This share shall at least equal the proportion of households in energy poverty as assessed in their National Energy and Climate Plan established in accordance with Article 3(3)(d) of the Governance Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. If a Member State had not notified the share of households in energy poverty as assessed in their National Energy and Climate Plan, the share of the required amount of cumulative end-use energy savings among people affected by energy poverty vulnerable customers and, where applicable, people living in social housing, shall at least equal the arithmetic average share of the following indicators for the year 2019 or, if not available for 2019, for the linear extrapolation of their values for the last three years that are available:

The European Commission will issue guidance in the identification of vulnerable micro and small enterprises and vulnerable mobility users by proposing clear criteria. Member States will include an analysis of energy poverty among micro and small enterprises and vulnerable mobility users in the revision of their National Energy and Climate Plan.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

As part of their updates of national energy and climate plans and respective progress reports, and their subsequent integrated national energy and climate plans and notified pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 Member States shall demonstrate including, where appropriate, evidence and calculations:

As part of their updates of national energy and climate plans and respective progress reports, and their subsequent integrated national energy and climate plans and notified pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 Member States shall demonstrate including, where appropriate, evidence and calculations:

In these calculations Member States shall include the savings obtained at regional and local level that do not overlap with national measures, as locally determined contributions to the national target.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States shall take appropriate measures to support a multilateral dialogue with the participation of relevant public and social partners such as owners and tenants organisations, consumer organisations, renewable energy communities, citizen energy communities local and regional authorities, relevant public authorities and agencies and the aim to set out proposals on jointly accepted measures, incentives and guidelines pertinent to the split of incentives between the owners and tenants or among owners of a building or building unit.

Member States shall take appropriate measures to support a multilateral dialogue with the participation of relevant local and regional authorities, public and social partners such as owners and tenants organisations, consumer organisations, renewable energy communities, citizen energy communities local and regional authorities, relevant public authorities and agencies and the aim to set out proposals on jointly accepted measures, incentives and guidelines pertinent to the split of incentives between the owners and tenants or among owners of a building or building unit.

Each Member State shall report such barriers and the measures taken in its long-term renovation strategy pursuant to Article 2a of Directive 2010/31/EU and Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

Each Member State shall report such barriers and the measures taken in its long-term renovation strategy pursuant to Article 2a of Directive 2010/31/EU and Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

For the purpose of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall carry out a cost-benefit analysis covering their territory Ö and Õ based on climate conditions, economic feasibility and technical suitability in accordance with Part 1 of Annex IX. The cost-benefit analysis shall be capable of facilitating the identification of the most resource- and cost-efficient solutions to meeting heating and cooling needs. That cost-benefit analysis may be part of an environmental assessment under Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

For the purpose of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1, Member States , when applicable in close cooperation with relevant local and regional authority, shall carry out a cost-benefit analysis covering their territory Ö and Õ based on climate conditions, economic feasibility and technical suitability in accordance with Part 1 of Annex IX. The cost-benefit analysis shall be capable of facilitating the identification of the most resource- and cost-efficient solutions to meeting heating and cooling needs. That cost-benefit analysis may be part of an environmental assessment under Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Where the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 and the analysis referred to in paragraph 3 do not identify a potential whose benefits exceed the costs, including the administrative costs of carrying out the cost-benefit analysis referred to in Article 24(4), the Member State concerned may exempt installations from the requirements laid down in that paragraph.

Where the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 and the analysis referred to in paragraph 3 do not identify a potential whose benefits exceed the costs, including the administrative costs of carrying out the cost-benefit analysis referred to in Article 24(4), the Member State , together with the local and regional authorities concerned, may exempt installations from the requirements laid down in that paragraph.

Member States shall ensure that the public is given the opportunity to participate the preparation of heating and cooling plans, the comprehensive assessment and the policies and measures.

Member States and relevant local and regional authorities shall ensure that the public is given the opportunity to participate the preparation of heating and cooling plans, the comprehensive assessment and the policies and measures.

For this purpose, Member States shall develop recommendations supporting the regional and local authorities to implement policies and measures in energy efficient and renewable energy based heating and cooling at regional and local level utilising the potential identified. Member States shall support regional and local authorities to the utmost extent possible by any means including financial support and technical support schemes.

For this purpose, Member States shall develop recommendations supporting the regional and local authorities to implement policies and measures in energy efficient and renewable energy based heating and cooling at regional and local level utilising the potential identified. Member States shall support regional and local authorities to the utmost extent possible by any means including financial support and technical support schemes.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

For this purpose, Member States shall develop recommendations supporting the regional and local authorities to implement policies and measures in energy efficient and renewable energy based heating and cooling at regional and local level utilising the potential identified. Member States shall support regional and local authorities to the utmost extent possible by any means including financial support and technical support schemes.

For this purpose, Member States shall develop recommendations supporting the regional and local authorities to implement policies and measures in energy efficient and renewable energy based heating and cooling at regional and local level utilising the potential identified. Member States shall support regional and local authorities to the utmost extent possible by any means including financial support and technical support schemes. Member States shall ensure that heating and cooling plans are aligned with other local climate, energy and environment planning requirements, in terms of content and dates, to avoid duplication of work and administrative burden for local and regional authorities and encourage the effective implementation of the plans.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States shall put in place measures to promote participation in such training programmes, in particular by SMEs, micro-enterprises and self-employed persons.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

Member States may encourage public bodies to combine energy performance contracting with expanded energy services including demand response and storage.

Member States may encourage local and regional authorities and other public bodies to combine energy performance contracting with expanded energy services including demand response and storage.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

The guidance shall have the purpose of helping Member States and market actors to develop and implement their energy efficiency investments in the various Union programmes, and will propose adequate financial mechanisms and solutions, with a combination of grants, financial instruments and project development assistance, to scale up existing initiatives and use the Union funding as a catalyst to leverage and trigger private financing.

The guidance shall have the purpose of helping Member States , regions, local authorities and market actors to develop and implement their energy efficiency investments in the various Union programmes, and will propose adequate financial mechanisms and solutions, with a combination of grants, financial instruments and project development assistance, to scale up existing initiatives and use the Union funding as a catalyst to leverage and trigger private financing.

Text proposed by the European Commission

CoR amendment

In award procedures for public contracts and concessions, contracting authorities and contracting entities that purchase products, services, buildings and works, insofar shall:

In award procedures for public contracts and concessions, contracting authorities and contracting entities that purchase products, services, buildings and works, in accordance with cost-effectiveness, economical feasibility, wider sustainability, technical suitability, and sufficient competition, shall:

[…]

[…]

[…]

[…]

[…]

[…]