The European Commission recently issued a new directive that imposes obligations for the energy upgrading of buildings in all member states. This directive aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change.
According to the directive, all buildings classified in the lowest energy grade G must be upgraded to achieve at least category F by 2027 and category E by 2030. For residential buildings, the deadline to achieve category F is 2030 and category E is 2033. Additionally, by 2050, all buildings must be nearly zero-energy consumption.
What Energy Upgrading Includes
Mandatory energy upgrading involves various interventions and measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Specifically, it includes:
- Insulation: Improving the thermal insulation of the building’s envelope (walls, floors, ceilings) to reduce thermal loss and increase energy efficiency.
- Window Replacement: Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones that provide better insulation.
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Upgrading or replacing heating and cooling systems with more efficient systems, such as heat pumps and condensing boilers.
- Photovoltaic Systems: Installing photovoltaic systems to generate electricity from renewable sources.
- Upgrading Electrical Appliances: Replacing old electrical appliances with new, energy-efficient ones.
- Lighting Improvement: Replacing traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Automation Systems: Installing automation systems, such as smart thermostats and light and motion sensors, for better energy management in the building.
These interventions contribute to reducing energy consumption, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, while also offering financial benefits to owners through reduced energy costs.