Better Buildings for Lower Energy Bills and Emissions Cuts

The EU has reached a provisional political agreement to strengthen rules to reduce emissions and energy use from buildings. Buildings account for 36% of EU emissions, so decarbonizing this sector is critical to meeting climate goals.

Key measures include:

– National targets to cut average residential building energy use 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035 from 2021 levels. At least 55% must come from renovating the worst performing buildings. This promises to lower energy bills.

– Upgraded Energy Performance Certificates with common EU criteria to better inform homebuyers, renters etc. Countries need financial measures targeting energy poor and worst buildings.

– National Building Renovation Plans outlining decarbonization strategies for buildings, including tackling barriers like financing and skills gaps.

– Phasing out subsidies for new standalone fossil fuel boilers by 2025 and legally enabling the phase-out of fossil fuel heating over the next 20 years. This necessitates investment in renewable heating.

– Requiring more electric vehicle charging capacity and bicycle parking in buildings to enable clean mobility.

– Establishing zero direct fossil fuel emissions from new buildings as the standard by 2028 (public) and 2030 (other). Most new builds will rely on renewable electricity/heating.

– Solar installation mandates on new and existing buildings over time to expand renewable power generation.

The deal now goes for formal approval. Member States must quickly transpose the obligations into national law. Much work lies ahead, but the payoff will be lower building emissions, costs and progress towards climate neutrality.