EU calls for buildings to be energy self-sufficient using on-site generation

All buildings built after 31 December 2018 will have to produce their own energy on-site under proposals agreed by the European Parliament to amend the 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

By 31 December 2018 all EU member states must ensure that all newly-constructed buildings produce as much energy as they consume on-site using renewable technologie,s says a report drawn up by Silvia-Adriana Ticau on the European Parliament website.

The Industry Committee also wants governments to step up financial support for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The committee added new provisions to the text which requires member states to draw up national action plans by 30 June 2011 setting out financial instruments for improving the energy efficiency of buildings, such as low-interest loans, fiscal rebates on income or property taxes or requiring energy suppliers to offer financial assistance to consumers.

Other additional EU financial instruments called for by the committee to be implemented by 30 June 2010 include:

• Increasing the share of European Regional Development Fund money available for energy-efficiency measures to at least 15%
• Establishing, by 2014, an Energy Efficiency Fund financed by the Community budget, the European Investment Bank and Member States, to promote private and public investment in projects increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, and
• VAT reductions for goods and services related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.