Can the European Union transform itself into a greener economy? That’s the long term objective the building industry is compelled to factor in, act on and comply with, in an effort to battle energy consumption.
The European Green Deal is being enforced with different requirements, depending on a building’s energy efficiency. Buildings account for 40% of overall energy consumption, whether they are occupied or under construction. There is great potential for the building industry to make major energy savings and contribute to the greener economy the European Union has set out to accomplish by 2050.
Regional rollouts
The obligatory steps to make the European Green Deal a success differ from country to country, region to region, and with appropriate regulations and mandates to be fulfilled by the building industry over time. With guidelines and laws to be enforced in two phases, commencing from the 1st of January 2027, builders and owners will have time to comply with new energy consumption and efficiency standards.
The solution timeline
Improving energy consumption and performance is nothing new. Since 2018, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) has been mandatory to monitor energy performance.
With only 1% of European buildings being renovated per year, the goal of doubling renovations, with an aim of higher energy and resource efficiency, was launched in 2020. By 2025, commercial buildings will need to set up automated control systems, making the regulatory move to better automated solutions. And by 2030, a mandate for Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) will calculate the Life-cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP).
As you can see, simple and appropriate adjustments lead to stricter regulations and laws. By adjusting and complying with these energy objectives, the building industry can tap into the cost-effective potential for energy savings that the European Green Deal is aiming for. Good for the planet, good for the building industry!
