This legislative initiative is part of the Fit-for-55 ↗️ package of legislation to ensure that the EU's target of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels is met.
Member States will have to achieve an average annual saving of 1.49% of final energy consumption over this period, rising gradually to 1.9% by 31 December 2030.
The public sector must achieve an annual reduction in energy consumption of 1.9%, which may include public transport. Member States will be required to renovate at least 3% of the total floor area of buildings owned by public authorities each year.
These are preliminary agreements to be submitted to the committees for approval. The Energy Efficiency Directive will then have to be adopted by the Parliament and then by the Council of the EU.
Regarding the energy efficiency of buildings, the EU Council has already tightened the rules in October 2022. The main objectives of the new rules are
- by 2030, all new buildings should have zero emissions,
- by 2050, existing buildings must be transformed into zero-emission buildings.
The European Trade Association of PVC Window System Suppliers (EPPA) believes that the most effective way to improve energy efficiency in buildings is to replace windows. And according to President EPPA Carsten Heuer, the industry also wants to increase the amount of PVC recycled. By collecting more old plastic windows, they are fulfilling their commitment to urban resource extraction. This will reduce the amount of recyclable material going to landfill or incineration.
