The recast EPBD will require the public sector to take the lead by owning and renting buildings with "nearly zero" energy standards by the end of 2018, two years in advance of the private sector. Moreover, member states have been tasked to promote the conversion of existing buildings to comply with the standard.
Although the Swedish EU Presidency admitted that the concept of a “nearly zero” energy building was “not a very exact expression”, it said it would ensure that the legislation gives member states incentives to make significant efficiency improvements in a sector that produces a third of the EU's total carbon dioxide emissions.
As solar photovoltaic technologies are amongst the best suited to be integrated in buildings, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) is especially pleased about the news. The EPIA hopes that the new EPBD will ensure a strong boost for on-site renewable energy sources like PV, which as a decentralised and sustainable energy technology is easy and quick to install in housing and has the ability to provide a significant share of the household and commercial energy demand. “If well implemented by the 27 EU countries, this new piece of legislation will be essential to meet the target set by EPIA to reach 12% of Europe’s electricity demand by 2020 with photovoltaic energy” commented Eleni Despotou, EPIA Policy Director.
Nonetheless, as existing buildings currently represent 99% of the building stock, the EPIA believes that the EPBD is not enough and has encouraged Member States to be more ambitious and propose a concrete target for this major segment of the market when transposing the law.
Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of the EU’s carbon dioxide emissions, and it is estimated that by strengthening the EPBD, the EU could achieve a reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 70% of the current EU Kyoto target. In addition to this, these improvements could save citizens around 300€ per annum per household in their energy bills, while boosting the construction and building renovation industry in Europe.
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