The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Closing date for the consultation 20/06/2008

Energy use in the buildings sector (residential and commercial) is responsible for about 40% of final energy consumption in the EU. The buildings sector can therefore offer significant reductions in energy consumption and play a key role in achieving the 20/20/20% targets for energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and the increased share of renewables by 2020, put forward by the Commission in January 2008.

The consultation paper shows a cautious stance towards setting EU energy building limits. The idea of establishing a "benchmarking system" to allow comparison of the different performance requirements established by each EU country is suggested. However, the commission also hints at the possibility of relaxing or scrapping a threshold of 1000 square meters above which all existing buildings undergoing major renovations must meet minimum efficiency requirements.

The consultation document also suggests that provisions on energy performance certificates for buildings and inspections of boilers and air conditioning systems may be strengthened.

Under the current directive governments are required to set their own national efficiency standards.