Revision of the energy performance of buildings directive

Key points

• The EESC welcomes the proposal for a recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as it takes up the key challenges identified in previous EESC opinions to provide tools to tackle energy poverty and remedy structural long-term under-investment in the building area, boosting renovation of especially the worst-performing buildings and setting us on a path of decarbonised heating and cooling.

• The EESC wholeheartedly supports this EU approach to achieve an energy-efficient, high-quality and fossil-free built environment, as measures at EU level are more efficient in accelerating the necessary transition.

• The EESC considers that the recent sharp price increases for energy and the prospect of high prices in at least the medium term have shown that it is even more important to put a strategy in place to alleviate and eradicate energy poverty. Concrete measures must be implemented aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings to ensure decent, affordable and healthy housing for all. These measures must include the safe removal of asbestos.