3% renovation of public buildings: Member States fail to kickstart the market

A report by the Coalition for Energy Savings, “Implementing the EU Energy Efficiency Directive: Analysis of Member States plans to implement Article 5”, revealed loopholes in implementation and a lack of political will to boost the renovation of central government buildings. Out of 28 Member States, 11 chose the default approach of renovating 3% of the floor area each year, and 17 an alternative approach.

“The main objective of Article 5 is for the public sector, which has full control over its buildings, to lead by example and act as an important trigger to stimulate market transformation,” explained Adrian Joyce, Secretary General of EuroACE. “National governments should be setting the example for regional and local governments, and opening up the market for the residential and commercial building stock. Instead, Member States have reported confused or limited information, and no clear plan on renovations to be undertaken.”