The New Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2024

With its new energy performance of buildings directive, the European Union is taking a decisive step towards a climate-neutral building stock. The directive on the overall energy performance of buildings, adopted on 24 April 2024, replaces the previous version from 2010 and must be transposed into national law by 24 April 2026.

The objective is clear: the building sector – responsible for around 40% of final energy consumption and more than one-third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions – is to become more energy-efficient, decarbonized, and digitized through comprehensive measures.

At the core is the concept of a zero-emission building. Such buildings have extremely low energy demand, fully covered by renewable energy – either directly on-site via photovoltaic systems or nearby via geothermal district heating. In the future, buildings are to actively participate in the energy system, for example through energy storage or grid-friendly behavior.

From 1 January 2028, all new public buildings must meet the zero-emission standard. From 1 January 2030, this standard will apply to all new buildings – residential and non-residential.

Existing buildings are also covered: the worst-performing 16% of non-residential buildings must be renovated by 2030, rising to 26% by 2033. For residential buildings, primary energy consumption must be reduced by at least 16% by 2030 and by at least 20 to 22% by 2035. At least 55% of these savings must come from the worst-performing energy classes.

All member states are required to develop comprehensive renovation plans – including milestones, timelines, and details on financing and technical support. One-stop-shops for owners will play a key role.

A central aspect is the phase-out of fossil fuels: from 2025, subsidies for fossil fuel boilers will no longer be allowed. Their use will be completely banned by 2040. Solar energy use is also being promoted: from 2027, new public and larger non-residential buildings must have solar systems installed; from 2030, this applies to all new buildings.

A new focus is on embodied emissions – emissions produced during the manufacturing, construction, and disposal of buildings. From 2028, life cycle analyses will be mandatory for new buildings over 1,000 m²; from 2030, for all new buildings.

Digitalization is also being strengthened: the Smart-Ready Indicator will measure buildings’ digital maturity. Larger new buildings must also provide charging points for electric vehicles and sufficient bicycle parking spaces.

The energy performance certificate reform brings greater transparency: a standardized EU-wide scale from A to G, an additional A-Plus class for plus-energy buildings, CO2 emissions data, and a renovation passport with an individual retrofit roadmap.

Exemptions apply to listed monuments, micro-buildings, temporary structures, and certain industrial buildings – but only if retrofitting is deemed unreasonable.

Conclusion:
With this directive, the EU aims to fully decarbonize the building stock by 2050. The combination of clear targets, social balance, technical support, and digitalization marks a turning point in European building policy.