The EU states have finally given the green light to a new EU law that requires all newly built buildings in the EU to be emission-free by 2030. The EU states announced in Brussels that the entire EU building stock should be free of environmentally harmful emissions by 2050. The new directive is part of the so-called European Green Deal and is intended to increase the energy efficiency of buildings and thus make them more climate-friendly.
The EU states have finally given the green light to a new EU law that requires all newly built buildings in the EU to be emission-free by 2030. The EU states announced in Brussels that the entire EU building stock should be free of environmentally harmful emissions by 2050. The new directive is part of the so-called European Green Deal and is intended to increase the energy efficiency of buildings and thus make them more climate-friendly.
According to the EU states, the EU directive also specifies the maximum amount of energy buildings are allowed to consume from a certain period of time. However, certain buildings such as historical buildings or churches can be exempt from the rules.
“Need a concrete plan for a new wave of renovations”
Energy consumption should also decrease in residential buildings. By 2030 it should be a total of 16 percent less and by 2035 around 20 to 22 percent less. To achieve this, residential buildings should be renovated to save energy. In addition, fossil fuels should no longer be used in buildings by 2040. Instead, solar energy should be promoted and better infrastructure for environmentally friendly transport should be created.
German Environmental Aid called on the federal government to act quickly. “We now need a concrete plan for a new wave of renovation and thus healthy and affordable housing in Germany,” said managing director Barbara Metz.
The legislation creates a framework that allows EU states to take adapted national measures. The heads of state and government have two years to introduce the new regulations.
Source: Stern
