Council reaches general approach on Energy Performance of Buildings
On 25 October 2022, the Council reached a general approach on the Energy Performance of Buildings recast.
We concur with the obligation for Member States to establish national building renovation plans – However, as Member States face different levels of renewal and development, a certain degree of subsidiarity is key.
HOTREC considers that the objective of all existing buildings becoming zero-emission buildings by 2050 is unrealistic. We would have preferred that the proposal targeted the building stock instead of individual buildings.
Concerning recharging points, we consider that charging stations should not be mandatory. This implies an enormous cost for companies, while technology might quickly become obsolete. We consider it positive that Member States may adjust requirements for the number of parking spaces that are not typically accessed by bicycles.
Minimum energy performance standards (MEPs) are essential to help companies be more energy efficient. We welcome the extended deadlines for the application of the new requirements. But we consider that both non-residential buildings and residential buildings should be able to follow MEPs based on the national trajectory in line with the progressive renovation of the building stock (the Council supported this approach for residential buildings only).
We count on the European Parliament and Council’s support to reach a reasonable compromise.
