Impact of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on the property industry

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is an EU directive that aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Since its first introduction in 2002 and its most recent revision in 2018 (as part of the "Clean Energy for All Europeans" package), it has had a significant impact on the property industry in the European Union.

Objectives and requirements of the EPBD:
The main objectives of the EPBD are:

• Improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Promoting the use of renewable energies.

Key requirements include:

1. Energy performance certificates: Owners must present an energy performance certificate that indicates the energy efficiency of a building or building unit.
2. Regular inspections: Heating and air conditioning systems must be checked regularly to ensure that they are operating in an energy-efficient manner.
3. Minimum requirements for overall energy efficiency: New buildings must fulfil specific minimum requirements to ensure optimum energy consumption. These requirements also apply to major renovations of existing buildings.

Influence on the property industry:

1. Investments in energy-efficient technologies: Property owners and investors are increasingly investing in technologies and materials that improve energy efficiency, such as high-insulation glass, intelligent heating systems and renewable energies.
2. Increasing the value of buildings: Energy-efficient buildings often have a higher market value and can command higher rents as they offer lower operating costs and a better environmental footprint.
3. Demand for "green" property: Tenants and buyers are increasingly favouring environmentally friendly and energy-efficient residential and commercial premises, which is leading to greater demand for such properties.
4. Financing and subsidies: There are various financing options and incentives from the EU and national governments that promote investment in energy-efficient measures. Credit institutions often offer more favourable conditions for "green" property projects.
5. Sustainability assessment: The EPBD has contributed to the spread of sustainability systems such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB, which assess the sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings.

Additional up-to-date information

Minimum efficiency standards for non-residential buildings (MEPS):

• The "worst first" approach of the EPBD would probably have the greatest and most economical leverage effect for energy savings. There is a need for clarity regarding the definition and identification of the worst 16 to 26% of the non-residential building stock that should be subject to the MEPS refurbishment target. A national building database should be established as soon as possible.
• Official statements by the federal government:
  • Certain buildings can be exempted from the regulations on the basis of defined criteria, and the federal government is currently examining possible ways of implementing this.
  • Data from the energy performance certificates will probably be used for MEPS identification.
  • There will be no MEPS for residential buildings.

Zero-Emission Building" (ZEB) standard for new buildings:

• It needs to be clarified whether the German new-build standard EH55 needs to be raised to EH40 in order to fulfil the ZEB requirements. The requirements from EPBD 2018 are largely met, but the 65% renewable energy should be increased to 100% in the future.
• The German government is currently examining options for implementing the ZEB. It refers to many measures that have already been adopted to achieve the EPBD targets, including the amendments to the Building Energy Act and the so-called Heating Act

Energy performance certificates:

• The energy performance certificate must be made legally reliable in order to form the basis for the implementation of the EPBD. New, legally compliant energy performance certificates are required.
• The energy performance certificate reform is to be implemented within the implementation period of the Buildings Directive.
• The aim is to find an intelligent and practicable solution that meets the requirements of the property sector, taking into account tried and tested solutions from other EU Member States.

Building database:

• A clear database on efficiency standards, energy requirements and energy supply is necessary. A digital building database is to be set up in order to link the decarbonisation plans of the real estate industry with the expansion activities for green district heating and electricity grids.
• The legal basis for the building database will be created within the implementation period of the Buildings Directive; the first implementations are expected before 2027.
• The requirements of the EPBD for a national database and societal expectations regarding data protection are being examined.

Solar roof obligation:

• Solar energy systems are to be installed on buildings where technically suitable and economically and functionally feasible, with staggered obligations according to building type and size between 2027 and 2031.
• Official statements by the federal government:
  • The Federal Government is currently examining possible ways of implementation without giving specific details.

Charging infrastructure:

• The German government has not made any detailed statements on the implementation of the EPBD's charging infrastructure requirements. A draft bill on EPBD implementation in the area of electromobility (GEIG 2.0) is expected after the parliamentary summer break.

Challenges and opportunities:

• Challenges: Adapting to the EPBD requirements can be costly for owners of older buildings. There is also a need for qualified professionals who are able to design and construct energy-efficient buildings.
• Opportunities: Advancing digitalisation and the development of new technologies offer potential for further improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Smart home technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) play an important role here.

Conclusion
The EPBD has a significant impact on the property industry in the EU. It promotes energy-efficient construction and refurbishment and thus contributes to sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Property owners and investors who adapt to these requirements will benefit from lower operating costs, higher property values and improved social perception.

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Kind Regards,

Matthias Holzmann