Green Homes Directive, here is how it has changed in the final version
Changes from the original version to the final version approved by the European Parliament
2' min read
2' min read
It took exactly one year to arrive at the final version of the Green Homes Directive. Twelve months ago, in fact, the European Parliament had adopted its negotiating proposal, which was then submitted to the Trilogue, the informal negotiation between European institutions that ended in December. Above all, the confrontation with the member states, represented by the Council, resulted in the modification of many measures and their softening. The final text, just voted by the Parliament, is much more flexible than the first version. Let us see, then, what has changed in the text of the directive this year.
RESTORATIONS
How it was
Energy class E by 2030 and class D by 2033. The redevelopment target for residential buildings was the most characteristic element of the proposal for a revision of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Epbd) approved by Parliament a year ago.
How it will be
Member countries will have to draw up plans to reduce the consumption of their residential building stock. 2020 is considered the year zero and 2050 the year in which a zero-emission building stock should be in place.
HEATERS
How it was
The first version of the Epbd set a target of 2024: a ban on fossil fuel appliances. For both new buildings and renovations, a ban on fossil fuels would have been triggered by the transposition of the directive.
How it will be
The date by which to achieve the full ban has been moved forward to 2040; the previous deadline was 2035. However, it will be possible to give incentives to hybrid heating systems, such as those combining boilers and heat pumps.
