The EU Buildings Directive (EPBD – Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) is a key instrument of the European Union aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and contributing to the EU's climate goals. It directly influences the German Buildings Energy Act (GEG) and sets not only minimum requirements for new constructions but also regulates the modernization and decarbonization of existing buildings. For existing non-residential buildings, gradual improvements are mandated through Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). The first draft of the revised EPBD was proposed on December 15, 2021. The European Council took a position in 2022, and the EU Parliament also issued a position in March 2023. Key EPBD demands impacting commercial buildings include the requirement for new buildings to be zero-emission by 2030, with public buildings required to meet this standard by 2027. Additionally, the Building Renovation Passport is designed to facilitate planning of renovations across member states and increase transparency for consumers. The EPBD also establishes uniform standards for the design of energy performance certificates.
In commercial building operations, the implementation of the EPBD has direct implications: by 2030, the 16 percent of non-residential buildings with the poorest energy performance must be prioritized for renovation, with the same requirement applying to the 26 percent of buildings with the lowest energy efficiency by 2033. There is also an obligation to equip buildings with automation and control systems once a certain heating or cooling capacity is reached. To achieve a climate-neutral building stock, data collection and analysis are crucial. aedifion supports the gathering of sustainability data, aiding asset managers and owners in implementing measures to reduce environmental impact.
