European Performance of Building Directive (EPBD)

A brief synopsis:

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was published in January 2003. The Directive has far-reaching implications for the owners, operators and developers of all buildings in Europe (both domestic and non domestic) and will play a vital role in delivering step-change in buildings-related energy efficiency. However, practical implementation of the Directive will be very demanding and a pressing need exists to start the essential preparatory work as quickly as possible since legislation must be in place in all 25 EU Member States by January 2006.

Key provisions of the Directive are:

• Minimum requirements for the energy performance of all new buildings
• Minimum requirements for the energy performance of large existing buildings subject to major renovation
• Energy certification of all buildings (with frequently visited buildings providing public services being required to prominently display the energy certificate)
• Regular mandatory inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings.

View the full EPBD report (pdf 126kb) December 2002