A majority of EU Member States has today approved the ‘Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’ (EPBD) in a final vote in Brussels. The new greener buildings law, negotiated by Dublin Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe, will be signed into law this April 24th. The European Parliament approved the law on March 12th, 2024. 

Lead negotiator or rapporteur Ciarán Cuffe MEP welcomed today’s outcome:

“Today’s result is a vote for lower bills and climate action. It’s a huge vote of confidence from the Member States not only in the law that we have negotiated, but in the European Green Deal in general. Climate change is not going away, but nor are the opportunities we have to deliver real, social benefits to the people of Europe by taking real and fair action against it. 

 “This law has never been just about reducing building emissions, for example. We saw its potential from the very beginning to lower energy bills, to take people out of energy poverty, and to provide warmer and more comfortable homes for everyone. That is what we have delivered to the people of Europe, and I will be following the implementation of this law closely to ensure those benefits are delivered.”  

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive or EPBD, sets a pathway to a climate neutral building stock in Europe by 2050. Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of Europe’s energy consumption and 36% of its CO2 emissions. The EPBD is one of the final pieces of legislation to be approved from the EU’s Fit for 55 or ‘European Green Deal’ package. This package of laws aims to slash the bloc's CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels. The EPBD agreement struck by lead negotiator Cuffe directs EU money to renovations, prioritises renovation funding for less well-off households, and enhances renter protections.  

Following its signature into law, implementation by the EU Member States will begin in2026. The first National Building Renovation Plans should be delivered to the European Commission by the end of 2025.