14 July 2021
Today the European Commission has released part one of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
This package contains a set of interconnected proposals to align EU policies on climate, energy, land use, transport, buildings and taxation to achieve the EU objective of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by, at least, 55% of the 1990 levels by 2030.
The European Commission also published its Communication 'Fit for 55' that provides further details on its objectives, implementation and supporting measures. It states that, where possible, existing legislation will become more ambitious and new proposals will be developed where needed.
The building and construction sector is concerned by the update of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives. The update will be complemented by policy measures that will specifically support the building sector to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce the overall energy needs of energy appliances/systems.
To tackle energy poverty, the New Social Climate Fund (€72.2 billion for 2025-2032) will support investments to increase the energy efficiency and renovations of buildings, clean heating and cooling, and integrate renewable energy in a manner that can sustainably reduce both CO2 emissions and energy bills for vulnerable households.
The Communication also refers to the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to take place later this year. The text states: ‘The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive . . . will identify specific measures to accelerate the rate of buildings renovations, contributing to energy efficiency and renewable goals and greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the buildings sector.’
Additional information from the European Commission website:
Factsheets on delivering the European Green Deal
Source: Screenshot https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/delivering-european-green-deal_en