Rigourous new EU energy standards for building welcomed by Childers

Posted by Bronwen Maher on May 18, 2010 at 12:48 PM

Irish Labour MEP Nessa Childers has today welcomed new EU legislation that will require all public buildings to have what is known as “nearly-zero energy standards” by 2018.
 
Speaking at the European Parliament today in Strasbourg, she welcomed the new energy efficiency laws which she says builds on the European Union’s existing minimum requirements on the energy standards of buildings.

Nessa Childers said: "Buildings represent around 40% of our entire energy use. Therefore, high targets and standards enshrined in updated EU legislation to make our buildings more energy efficient can play an enormous role in our attempts to slash our greenhouse gas emissions.
 
“I am encouraged that the new legislation will set particularly high targets for public buildings. This is the correct thing to do as public authorities should be leading the way and setting a good example on energy efficiency from the point of view of the environment and the responsible use of taxpayers money.”
 
For example, the revised legislation on the energy performance of buildings provides in particular for the following:
 
* All new buildings must be nearly zero energy buildings by 2020 and for buildings occupied by public authorities, the target date is 2018.
* Member States should draw up national plans to increase the number of "nearly zero energy buildings", whose energy needs should to a very significant extent be covered by energy from renewable sources, including renewable energy produced on-site or nearby;
* The public sector should assume a leading role: public buildings with a total floor area over 500m2 and frequently visited by the public will have to display energy performance certificates where the public can view them. Subsequently, the threshold will be lowered to 250 m2;
* Regular inspections of heating and air-conditioning systems;
* Independent control systems for energy performance certificates and inspection reports.

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