{"id":26072,"date":"2024-08-28T09:23:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T09:23:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sobolt.com\/?p=26072"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:27:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:27:14","slug":"the-impact-of-epbd-on-sustainable-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sobolt.com\/en\/the-impact-of-epbd-on-sustainable-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"The impact of EPBD on sustainable construction"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Did you know that buildings are the largest energy consumers in Europe? Homes and other buildings are responsible for about\u00a040% of energy consumption<\/a>\u00a0(less in the Netherlands). The European Commission aims to improve the energy performance of buildings. Will the revised directive,\u00a0EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive)<\/a>, help? This update is designed to keep buildings “on track” to become zero-emission buildings (ZEB) by 2050. The Netherlands\u00a0must implement many elements of this directive<\/a>\u00a0by the summer of 2026. What does that entail?<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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New buildings towards ZEB<\/strong><\/h4>

From\u00a0BENG to ZEB<\/a>. Zero-emission buildings will become the new standard for new constructions, replacing the BENG requirements. Starting January 1, 2028, new government buildings must be emission-free, and this requirement will apply to all new buildings by 2030.<\/p>

Renovation of the worst-performing buildings<\/strong><\/h4>

A distinction is made between residential and non-residential buildings. Member states must introduce their own paths to reduce the average energy consumption of\u00a0their housing stock<\/a>. The aim is a reduction of 16% by 2030 and 20\u201322% by 2035 (compared to 2020). More than half of the reduction must come from renovating the worst-performing homes, addressing issues like energy poverty and vulnerable households. Exceptions apply to monuments and temporary buildings. There are no mandatory renovation obligations for homeowners. For non-residential buildings, 16% of the worst-performing buildings must be addressed by 2030 and 26% by 2033 (compared to 2020).<\/p>

Energy labels<\/strong><\/h4>

Energy label classifications will not be harmonized across Europe. The Netherlands will retain the\u00a0A to G classes<\/a>, but their meanings will change. Energy label A will represent a ZEB (zero-emission building). By 2030, the existing A+ class will disappear, with the potential addition of an A0 class for emission-free buildings. Energy labels will remain valid for 10 years, and monuments will also become subject to label requirements.<\/p>

All new buildings “solar-ready”<\/strong><\/h4>

New buildings must be “solar-ready,” meaning their roof structures must be strong enough to support PV panels. Additionally, major renovations of public buildings and parking lots (over 250 m2) must include solar panel installations.<\/p>

Introduction of the Building Renovation Passport<\/strong><\/h4>

A\u00a0Building Renovation Passport<\/a>\u00a0will be introduced to assist homeowners in renovating their properties. This will be created alongside the energy label and involve an on-site visit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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One-stop shops<\/strong><\/h4>

Countries will be required to establish\u00a0“one-stop shops”<\/a>\u00a0where households and SMEs can access information. Where and when will these one-stop shops be available?<\/p>