European Parliament votes on Energy Performance of Buildings: exceptions and derogations are welcomed, incentives are needed

On 9 February 2023, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament adopted its position on the proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by 49 votes to 18, with 6 abstentions.

HOTREC supports the revision of the Directive as a way for companies to be more energy efficient in the near future. Nevertheless, massive support is needed for the companies to comply with the needed infrastructural changes (e.g. tax relief; guarantee funds; pay-as-you-save financial schemes).

With regard to infrastructures for sustainable mobility (charging stations and bicycle parking spaces), we fully welcome the possibility approved by Parliament, for Member States to adjust the requirements for residential and non-residential buildings if owned or occupied by SMEs. Charging stations evolve rapidly and become obsolete, while the costs are extremely high. Moreover, bicycle parking spaces should adapt to local demographic, geographic and climate conditions.

We consider that Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are essential to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. But we think that their mandatory nature, as established by Parliament, is not flexible and does not take into account technical, functional and economic factors.

With regard to solar energy, existing buildings will need to follow the rules, according to Parliament’s view. We consider that a one-size-fits-all approach is not practical (e.g. some countries do not have much light during winter time). It is, nevertheless, positive that the installation is required if technically, economically and functionally feasible.

The European Parliament voted in plenary on 14 March 2023.

HOTREC is counting both on the European Parliament and on the Council to reach a balanced approach during the trilogue negotiations on the file.

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Meeting DG HOME + DG GROW: Ukrainian refugees
01/03/2023    
14:00 - 15:00
On 1 March 2023, HOTREC held a meeting with DG Home and DG GROW on the Ukrainian refugees topic.  Participants to the meeting European Commission [...]
Pact for Skills - coordination meeting
02/03/2023    
15:00 - 16:30
Main outcome of the meeting available
09 Mar
09/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
Presentation and draft minutes are now available.
European Platform Undeclared Work - Ukraine refugees sub-group
09/03/2023    
10:00
Participants:  Participants of ELA (European Labour Authority), labour inspectors from Member States, European Federation of Employers; HOTREC (Marta Machado) Agenda Subgroup on displaced persons and [...]
10 Mar
10/03/2023    
11:00 - 12:00
ExCom Video Conference Link ExCom draft agenda - 10 March 2023 Draft Minutes of ExCom meeting of 25 January 2023 Antitrust Statement HOTREC Statutes HOTRE [...]
14 Mar
14/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
We are delighted to invite you to the Social Affairs Working Group meeting, taking place on 14 March 2023, online. Please register by using this [...]
Sectoral Social Dialogue meeting
20/03/2023    
10:00 - 13:00
We are delighted to invite you to the next Sectoral Social Dialogue (SSD) meeting, which will be hybrid, taking place on 20 March 2023 (from [...]
23 Mar
23/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
SAVE THE DATE: 23 March Exact timing and agenda TBC
Online Series: 90 Minutes to Close The Loop
30/03/2023    
14:00 - 15:30
Online Series: 90 Minutes to Close The Loop Episode 9 – broadcast live on the 30th of March 2023 at 14:00 to 15:30 Roadmap for [...]
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