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The European Commission
has decided to adopt a Directive to guarantee an increase of the energy
efficiency in buildings” to reduce energy use and to protect the environment.
It has been proposed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by 22% by
2010. Buildings represent 40% of energy consumption. The energy efficient of
existing buildings must also be improved. New investment in energy efficiency
measures are best stimulated by increases in fuel price. The Directive consists
of several key elements including an application and regular updating of
minimum standards for energy performance of buildings based on a common
methodology for all new buildings and for existing buildings of more than 1000
square meters that are being renovated. The performance standards will include
energy use for heating, ventilation, lighting, as well as the opportunity of
heat recovery and local renewable energy supply used in cost-effective ways. In
addition the Directive includes a common methodology
for the preparation of minimum integrated energy performance standards, which
Member States will have to adopt for each type of building. This methodology
has to take into account differences in climate and include factors relating to
insulation, heating, ventilation, lighting, building orientation, heat
recovery, and use of renewable energy sources. Another key element is a
Certification System for new and existing buildings. Energy performance
certificates will be required for buildings less than ten years old, containing
advice on how to improve energy performance and will have to be available for
all buildings when built, sold or leased. These energy performance
certificates, together with information on recommended and actual indoor
temperatures, will also be displayed in public buildings and in other types of
building frequented by the public and specific checks and assessment of heating
and cooling equipment by experts. Member States will have to make arrangements
for regular inspection of boilers of a rated output between 20 and 100 kW.
Boilers above this threshold must be inspected every two years (gas boilers
every four years).
Furthermore, a period of three
years is proposed for implementation in national law. Member States may have an
additional period not exceeding three years to apply the articles relating to
action on existing buildings, energy performance certificates and boiler
inspection where applicable. The EU countries have also agreed to the text and
adopted it at the energy ministers' meeting on November 25, 2002. After adoption, the provisions of the directive shall be
introduced in national legislation until the end of 2005 although some
requirements can be postponed until 2008. |