EU document speaks plain text: Living has to remain climate and affordable!

EU document speaks plain text: Living has to remain climate and affordable!

Europa, Europäische Union - On July 1, 2025, the European Commission presented a comprehensive package of measures that aim to make living in Europe more climate -friendly and affordable. This package is part of the revised EU building directive, which, among other things, aims to reduce energy costs and to promote the expansion of renewable energies. According to OTS emphasizes Andreas Schieder, the SPÖ-EI-EU-EU-EU-EU-EU-EU-EU-EU Delegation manager, the need for energy-efficient buildings, especially during extreme heat waves.

The building sector in Europe is responsible for around 40 percent of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Efficient buildings could help lower energy bills and make people's daily life more affordable. As part of this initiative, the Housing Advisory Board was also launched, a new expert body that is intended to support the Member States in the development of sustainable living strategies. Schieder demands concrete measures from this body to address the existing housing crisis.

revised EU building directive

The European directive on the overall energy efficiency of buildings (EPBD) was first issued in 2002 and recently updated in 2024. The updated version, published on May 8, 2024, will determine the obligation to create an emission -free building stock by 2050 and support the necessary national renovation plans, as on bbsr is explained.

by the end of May 2026, Member States must implement the new requirements into national laws. The guideline calls for a reduction in primary energy consumption in residential buildings by at least 16 percent by 2030 and 20-22 percent by 2035 compared to 2020. Central demands also include the renovation of the most energy-efficient buildings and the introduction of minor energy standards (MEPS) for non-residential buildings from 2030.

Promotion of sustainable practices

The revised guideline attaches great importance to the promotion of sustainable practices in residential construction. As of January 1, 2025, a grant will no longer be available for boilers that are operated exclusively with fossil fuels. The introduction of zero emission buildings as the standard for new buildings from 2030 is also planned. These measures are necessary to achieve the climate neutrality and to strengthen the energy independence of Europe, such as Germany Representation reported.

Another important aspect of the guideline is the advocacy of sustainable mobility, which is supported by the provision of loading points for electric vehicles and bicycle parking spaces in new and renovated buildings. Member States have also determined the framework for reducing emissions and energy consumption, where they can decide which specific measures should be taken. Overall, the new requirements not only improve the energy efficiency of buildings, but also contribute to solving the current housing problem in Europe.