Joint Statement on EPBD transposition: Giving the buildings sector the certainty to invest
Today, we are joining 26 organisations from across the buildings and energy ecosystem in calling for the effective and timely implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The European Commission’s follow-up on the Directive’s transposition on 15 July marked an important step towards ensuring that the rules agreed at EU level are fully and effectively implemented across Member States.
Buildings account for around 40% of the EU’s final energy consumption and around half of its gas consumption. The EPBD is therefore a critical tool to reduce energy demand, lower energy bills, strengthen Europe’s energy security, and support investment and innovation across the clean technology and buildings sectors.
However, legal transposition alone is not enough. The Directive must also be made workable in practice through clear guidance, effective compliance and verification mechanisms, sufficient administrative capacity, investment in skills, and strong coordination between national, regional and local authorities, as well as market actors.
We call on the European Commission and Member States to work together to ensure that the EPBD is not only fully transposed but also effectively implemented, providing citizens, businesses, building owners, professionals and public authorities with the clarity and certainty they need to deliver on this crucial agenda.
However, to make this transition affordable, resilient and cost-effective, the EU must ensure that electrification and efficiency in buildings go hand in hand. Europe’s electrification challenge goes beyond replacing fossil fuel heating systems. Buildings can reduce the amount of electricity Europe needs to generate, transport and pay for through a broader package of efficiency solutions, including insulation, building automation and controls, efficient lighting, improved windows, efficient water appliances, hydronic balancing, shading, blinds and shutters.
