As a result, the energy consumption level of existing buildings is carefully defined, and the minimum energy efficiency levels for new buildings and renovations are set. In the future, the value of real estate and apartments will go hand in hand with the energy consumption level.
The most visible change, and the one that will effect nearly all EU citizens, is the mandatory Energy Performance Certificate that will be required in practice every time apartments and buildings are sold or rented. The certificate must also be issued when a new building is constructed.
The measurement of the energy performance of buildings includes, among other things, insulation and heating and air-conditioning systems. Insulation is an efficient and cost effective way to improve the energy performance of a building. Large public buildings are required to have their Energy Performance Certificate publicly displayed.
Based on the Kyoto Protocol
The new EU regulations are based on the Kyoto Protocol, which obligates Member States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% from the level of 1990 by 2008-2012.
The regulations are well founded, since buildings consume nearly 40% of all the energy in Europe. If this energy consumption can be reduced with the help of insulation and other procedures, the energy consumption in Europe will be considerably smaller in the future.
Each EU country must incorporate the requirements of the new Directive into its national legislation by January 2006.
3.9.2004
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