New requirements on public buildings: EuroACE calls on Member States to kickstart the market for deep retrofits

On 9 July 2015, two thresholds that push action in public buildings were lowered from 500m² to 250m²: the exemplary role of public buildings in the Energy Efficiency Directive (Article 5), requiring 3% of central government buildings to be renovated each year, and the issuing of Energy Performance Certificates for public buildings frequently visited by the public in the EPBD (Article 12).

“EuroACE welcomes the widening of these requirements, as it increases the number of public buildings required to be renovated every year, and to be provided with an EPC,” stated Susanne Dyrbøl, President of EuroACE.

As implementation of both directives by Member States had proven challenging, this step risked remaining unheeded, underlining the need for a stronger governance architecture for the Energy Union if it is to deliver its full potential.