Early in 2021, the European Commission proceeded with opening the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), for a recast that should bring it in line with the strategic ambition of the European Green Deal and the Renovation Wave. In this context, EBC has been actively contributing to the public debate on the directive including by providing input to the public consultation and the feedback period on the Commission’s proposal.
While this work was already ongoing, the war in Ukraine and its subsequent impacts on Europe’s energy supplies made the revision of the EPBD and the need for energy efficient buildings an even more pressing priority.
At the same time, the European Parliament has initiated its works on this file, with the relevant committees already actively developing amendment proposals. During the second quarter of this year, EBC has been engaging with relevant MEPs of key committees, notably the lead ITRE Committee and the ENVI Committee. EBC has engaged with MEPs from the various political groups, to debate the dossier and exchange on the desired framework for our construction SMEs, including key MEPs such as ENVI rapporteur Radan Kanev (EPP/Bulgaria).
EBC is also seeking a constructive encounter with MEP Ciarán Cuffe (Greens/Ireland), the EPBD Rapporteur in the ITRE Committee, as well as the Shadow Rapporteurs, considering the central role of our SMEs for the construction value chain and the importance of the EPBD dossier for the Renovation Wave.
Following the adoption of the Opinions in the ENVI, TRAN and JURI Committees in the summer, the lead ITRE Committee is expected to vote on its report at the end of October. EBC will continue to engage with key parliamentarians, in view of the adoption of the European Parliament’s final report later this year.
To read the full EBC feedback on the EC proposal for the revision of the EPBD, click here.
To read our full position paper on the EPBD, click here.