The Council has adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings, so completing the final stage in the legislative procedure.
The directive aims to improve energy efficiency in buildings and encourages building renovation. Decarbonising the existing, highly inefficient European building stock is one of its long term goals. It promotes cost-effective renovation work, introduces a smartness indicator for buildings and simplifies the inspections of heating and air conditioning systems.
Para 18 of the revised Regulation notes: ‘Research into, and the testing of, new solutions for improving the energy performance of historical buildings and sites should be encouraged, while also safeguarding and preserving cultural heritage’. However, amending articles seek to drive further energy efficiency in existing buildings without explicit recognition of the potential impact on heritage.
Following the formal approval of the regulation by the Council, which is the final step in the legislative process, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU, and will enter into force twenty days later. The transposition period for this legislation is 20 months.