The European Commission identifies buildings in the EU as the primary energy consumer, accounting for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as part of the so-called ‘Fit for 55’ package.

In March, MEPs adopted the proposed revision of the Directive. It aims to progressively decrease greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sectortowards climate neutrality by 2050.

Specifically, all new buildings should be zero-emission as of 2030, while Member States must enact measures for energy consumption reduction and renovate a portion of poorly performing non-residential buildings. Additionally, there is a focus on decarbonising heating systems.

Improving building energy efficiency not only reduces bills and energy poverty but also enhances Europe's energy independence, stimulates the economy, and generates green jobs, particularly in construction.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Some questions to be discussed include:

- Is the Directive sufficiently aligned with the EU's climate ambitions?
- Are the measures feasible for Member States to implement?
- What existing initiatives address energy efficiency and the renovation of buildings?
- Are measures needed to support the construction industry in fulfilling the Directive's objectives?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 893858.

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