NEWS

As of January 1, 2021, all new buildings in the EU should use little or no energy for heating, cooling or hot water.

EU rules on this obligation also introduce an energy certification for buildings, so that landlords or tenants can compare and evaluate energy efficiency. These rules are part of the EU's drive for clean energy.

During the April 2018 plenary session in Strasbourg (France), MEPs voted in favor of proposals to update these rules. The main changes to the energy performance directive of buildings are:

• Improving the energy efficiency of buildings could reduce heating bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
• EU countries should prepare long-term national strategies to support the renovation of buildings: the goal is that by 2050 EU buildings will barely use energy.
• Encourage the use of smart technologies to reduce energy consumption
• Requirement to introduce charging points for electric cars in the parking spaces of new buildings.
• EU actions for cleaner energy also focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency of electrical devices.

40% of all energy consumed in the EU is used to heat and cool buildings, and about 75% of buildings are energy inefficient