Implementation of EPBD

The deadline target date for the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was 4 January 2006, but most of the Member States postponed the implementation by asking for an extension of 1 to 3 years. The reason for the extension is the difficulty of setting up a certification and labelling system for buildings. Also the standards needed for calculating energy performance are dragging behind schedule.

Enlargement of EPBD

The EPBD of today, even though not even implemented in all cases, entails only 10% of the available potential to reduce CO₂ emissions. Therefore it is vital to start the discussion about the enlargement of the EPBD to extend it to all existing buildings, even those below 1000 m² in size. Good prerequisites exist for an enlargement of the directive, because the current European Commission has given the demand side a high priority. This is understandable against the background of climate change and increasing energy prices.