EU legislation: Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 regulates energy performances of buildings. Member States must implement a method of calculating a building's energy performance that will take into account insulation levels, lighting, efficiency and performance of heating and air conditioning systems and the outdoor climate. Buildings must have an energy performance certificate, so that owners, tenants and users can assess its running costs and energy consumption. The Directive also introduces minimum standards for energy performance, which are calculated and set by Member States and applied to new buildings, as well as existing large properties as to and when they are considerably refurbished.

"This Directive introduces a holistic approach for energy efficient buildings, which is complemented by other pieces of legislation introduced by the EU, such as on the energy performance of boilers and on construction products."

This Directive is currently under revision. It aims to clarify and simplify Directive 2002/91/EC, strengthen some of its provisions so that their impact is more effective, and to provide for the leading role of the public sector.