The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The proposed revision to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is currently under the so called ‘trialogue’ negotiations amongst the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission following the European Parliament’s adoption of its position on the EPBD in mid-March of this year, forms part of the European Commission’s 2nd Fit for 55 package released in December 2021. The aim of the two Fit for 55 packages is to translate the European Green Deal’s vision for a climate neutral Europe by 2050 into policy terms, specifically focusing on energy and transport. Critically, the proposal for a revised EPBD provides for new mandatory standards concerning energy efficiency and renewable energy with the aim of achieving zero-emission EU building stock by 2050.

The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) and Deloitte Malta recognise the important role that the EU building stock plays in the road towards climate neutrality by 2050. A gradual transition towards zero-emission buildings and higher efficiency standards should be welcomed as an opportunity to finally address a sector which has been lagging in terms of improvement in energy performance, and which can also translate into economic gains such as cost savings, new technology markets, and high-skill job creation. Notwithstanding the benefits which such a transition will reap, it also poses several serious challenges which should not be taken lightly.

The MBB and Deloitte Malta discuss in detail these challenges in the attached extensive report as well as how the revised EPBD could be properly implemented locally, including several innovative financing schemes to be created so as to mobilise and support investments in the renovation and retrofitting of buildings.