ECOS | Environmental Coalition on Standards

20 June 2022

Time to build up ambitions: we need champions for decarbonising European buildings!

By Michael Neaves

ECOS and 15 other NGOs have signed a letter calling on Energy Ministers of EU Member States and representatives to support a more ambitious EPBD at the Energy Council next 27th of June.

Buildings account for almost 40% of both the EU’s annual energy consumption and carbon emissions. Energy and emissions go hand in hand, and both must decrease by at least 50% by 2030 to meet climate targets. Unfortunately, the current Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast and national positions do not reflect this.

Ahead of the Energy Council meeting on the 27th of June, the signatories of this letter urge national ministers to stand up and support ambitious building requirements under the EPBD. We strongly believe this support can make a difference on energy savings and decarbonisation – both key requirements for achieving the aims of the European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package, and the objectives of the REPower EU and EU Save Energy plans. 

The EPBD – as the only EU regulation centered on building sustainability – should be a major driver for energy savings and decarbonisation. Without this national support, this will be a missed opportunity for national built environments, economy, and climate.

ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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