EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive

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Official Title: Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings.

 

Aim of legislation

The principal objectives of the Directive are:
  • ­To promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the EU through cost effective measures.
  • ­To promote the convergence of building standards towards those of Member States which already have ambitious levels.


The buildings sector accounts for 40% of the EU’s energy requirements and offers the largest single potential for energy efficiency. By applying more stringent standards to new and refurbished buildings Europe could make a considerable contribution to meeting the Kyoto targets whilst also addressing security of supply.

The Directive has four main components:
  • Article 3 - Establish a framework for a common methodology for calculating the energy performance of all buildings. This has been done through SBEM.
  • Article 4 - Minimum energy performance standards (came into force under Building Regulations Part L on 6 April 2006).
  • Article 7 - Energy performance certificates (currently under review with the Department for Communities and Local Government)
  • Articles 8 and 9 - Boiler and air-conditioning inspections (under review with the Department for Communities and Local Government).


These form part of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which all member states must implement by January 2009 at the latest.