Dublin Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe has described the agreement reached on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on Thursday as a “blueprint for the world” for decarbonising building stock. The new law charts a course for the EU to achieve a climate neutral building stock by 2050 by setting Minimum Energy Performance Standards or ‘MEPS’ for Europe’s worst performing buildings, i.e. the buildings that waste the most energy.

Negotiators representing the EU Member States, the European Parliament(led by Cuffe), and the European Commission reached an agreement at 18:50 on Thursday evening. The EPBD is one of the final pieces of legislation to close from the EU’s Fit for 55 or ‘European Green Deal’ package, that aims to cut the bloc's CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels.

MEP Cuffe said:

“We have achieved something remarkable this evening: created ablueprint for the world to decarbonise its building stock. With this plan, we add an essential pillar to the EU’s decarbonisation plans  and begin the long journey towards reducing36% of Europe’s CO2 emissions.

“That journey will begin with the buildings that are wasting the most energy. Energy wasted is money wasted on bills. We must help citizens to save money, and protect them from volatile energy prices. That is why we have chosen a route that can lower energy bills for everyone, homeowners and renters alike, and addresses the root causes of energy poverty.

“We are grateful to our co-negotiators representing the EU governments, the European Commission, and the European Parliament, for their skilled diplomacy and tireless efforts to progress this law and find solutions. I would also like to especially thank my team, for their razor sharp expertise, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to achieving this result.”

The EU Member States and the European Parliament are expected to approve the trilogue agreement in the coming months. The European Parliament vote is expected to take place in February. Once approved, implementation is expected to begin in 2026. The text of the final agreement will be available to read in the coming weeks, pending customary legal review.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive(EPBD) Recast charts a course for the EU to achieve a climate neutral building stock by 2050. Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of Europe’s energy consumption and 36% of its CO2 emissions. The European Parliament approved its position on the EPBD in March, 2023 and final ‘trilogue’ negotiations between the European Parliament, and European Commission, and representatives of the EU governments, opened in June.