Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2022 – Opening up the potential of windows

Buildings account for about 40% of the energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU[1]. If Europe is to achieve its decarbonisation goals and contribute fully to the realization of the Paris agreement, a massive reduction of buildings’ energy needs is a necessity. This can only be achieved by starting to improve the energy performance of the building’s envelope in line with the Energy Efficiency First Principle. Only a building stock with a very low energy need could unleash the full carbon reduction potential of renewable energy generation.

High-performance windows and glazed areas in buildings are essential to the overall energy performance of buildings, but also to the general comfort and well-being of people living and working in these buildings. To reap these benefits, the EPBD needs to foster the right assessment of the energy performance of glazed areas and establish the right mechanisms and incentives for market actors to deliver massive energy savings.

The proposal for a recast of the EPBD is a unique opportunity to optimise the energy performance of buildings. Our sector considers that the following key objectives should be pursued:

1.    Supporting window replacement to accelerate the Renovation Wave in line with the Energy Efficiency First principle.

2.    Using the “Energy Balance” approach to assess the energy performance of windows.

3.    Defining and securing Healthy Indoor Climate.

 Read the position paper

[1]European Commission website on Energy performance of buildings directive