A survey on the impact of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on national regulations, compliance and control on energy performance requirements and certification systems approach in 12 EU Member States (Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany) has been carried out, as part of the project “ASIEPI”. The project is funded by the European Community’s Intelligent Energy Europe programme.

Overall observations from Brussels workshop on EPBD implementation

The following observations regarding the EPBD were made during the “Workshop on Impact, Compliance and Control of energy legislations” that tool place in Brussels 1-2 September 2009:

• Significant variation among different EU countries: The various expert presentations show a significant variation among different EU member states in EPBD implementation, with big differences in impact, compliance and control. Some variation can be justified because of diversity between the Member States. However, emphasis on consistent and sound implementation could release the large potential for further savings.

• Need for better enforcement: Not all countries have yet fulfilled all the requirements imposed by the EPBD. As guardian of the European Treaty, the European Commission must continue its efforts regarding infringement procedures.

• Need for an integrated approach: It is essential to have an integrated approach, which covers all energy related building components and service systems to achieve cost-efficient (cost-optimised) energy performance targets. Indoor climate aspects have also to be taken into consideration.

• Life cycle cost analysis: Several Member States perform life cycle cost analysis studies before tightening the building code requirements. This is the case for past and present. Various Member States have developed roadmaps for further improving the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings.

• Non-conformity to national regulations: A study presented by EURIMA suggests that in several countries a substantial part of new buildings do not conform to their national regulations and that there is also a difference between the national requirements and the cost-optimum requirements concerning U-values of the building envelope.

• EPBD has catalysing effect: There are several countries with success stories showing a major change in the energy performance of the new building stock due to the EPBD related regulations. At the same time, there are also success stories regarding market uptake of innovative systems and technologies, wherein the EPBD regulations have had a catalysing effect.

• innovative compliance and control: In several Member States innovative compliance and control approaches exist, which do not increase the administrative burden. These approaches depend strongly on cultural aspects.

• Raising awareness: In addition to compliance and control measures, it is also important (to continue) to invest in awareness and motivation actions e.g. educational and information campaigns.