What’s new in the reform of the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive?

Do you remember our previous article in which we talked about the consumption associated with each letter of the energy performance certificate? If you have not yet read it, we recommend you do so to familiarize yourself with the concepts.

On May 14, 2023, the European Parliament approved the reform of the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive. A reform that includes new developments that affect the real estate sector.

The reform of the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive

Two objectives are established:

• By 2030, it will be necessary for all existing residential buildings to achieve, at least, an energy rating type E.

• By 2033, all existing residential buildings will be required to achieve a minimum type D energy rating.

In addition, the European Union has started discussing the implementation of four new concepts:

Energy Renovation Passport

A figure will be created for those properties that cannot cope with energy renovation immediately.

They will be able to submit an action plan that the public authorities in charge of supervision will take as a commitment.

Global Warming Potential of the Building

As of January 1, 2027, all buildings will be required to incorporate their Life Cycle Profile and include it in their energy efficiency certification.

This calculation covers the entire life cycle, from design and construction to maintenance, renovations and eventual demolition.

Zero-emission building

By 2050, all buildings will have to be “zero-emission”. They will have to stand out for their reduced energy demand and the use of renewable sources, whether generated on-site or procured internally.

National Renovation Plans

Each Member State will have to draw up a roadmap outlining the measures required to achieve its national targets. It will have to include a commitment to carry out a certain percentage of annual renewals to reach the target set for 2050.

Mandatory timetable

For new buildings:

• From January 1, 2026, all public buildings or buildings occupied by public administrations, will have to be zero-emission.

• From January 1, 2028, all newly constructed buildings – both residential and non-residential – must be zero-emission.

For existing buildings:

• Public buildings: as of January 1, 2027, they must have a minimum rating of E. By 2030, the minimum required rating will be D.

• Private non-residential buildings: the deadlines and requirements are the same as for existing public buildings.

• Private residential buildings: from January 1, 2023, they must have a minimum rating of E. By 2033, the minimum required rating will be D.

When will the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive be implemented?

As mentioned above, the reform of the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive was approved in 2022. Then, in March 2023, a two- to three-month negotiation period with the European Commission and the Council began, culminating in its final approval. Each country now has up to 24 months to implement the reform.

It is expected to come into force in the European Union in 2025 or 2026.

So far, no penalty regime is specified. The treatment of buildings that do not meet the required qualifications will be determined during the process of transposition into Spanish law.

The service of adopting sustainable measures in KM2 Real Estate Services

Betting on sustainability depends largely on you, but in KM2 Real Estate Services we want to help you with everything that is in our hand.

• We analyze the electricity billing.
• We study the feasibility for the installation of photovoltaic panels and electric recharging points.
• We carry out energy audits.
• We obtain the energy efficiency certificate of both the building and the house.

Do you want to request more information? Do not hesitate to contact our real estate agency in Barcelona or Madrid, we are waiting for you!