Improving energy efficiency of buildings to reduce bills and save energy

New rules to improve the energy performance of buildings across the EU come into effect on 30 May 2026. They aim to support EU countries in modernising their building stock to save energy, reduce bills, and achieve a zero-emission and fully decarbonised building stock by 2050.

Why is the EU doing this?

Buildings are the single largest energy consumer in the EU, accounting for 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. A large share of buildings in the EU is old, with 75% having poor energy performance, making renovation a key priority. 

Improving the energy performance of buildings can improve living conditions for citizens, help reduce energy consumption and costs, strengthen energy security, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the EU doing?

The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets out updated rules to gradually modernise homes, offices, and public buildings over the coming decades.

EU countries are required to develop national building renovation plans tailored to their national circumstances and building stock. The new framework encourages EU countries to increase building renovations, particularly for the worst-performing buildings, with a focus on

• Renovation: each EU country will decide which renovation measures are most suitable to gradually meet the minimum energy performance requirements
• Decarbonisation: zero-emission buildings will become the standard for new buildings, with solar energy to be progressively integrated and fossil fuel boilers being gradually phased out
• Modernisation and digitalisation: including requirements for smart charging points for electric vehicles and bicycle spaces in new and renovated buildings, building automation and control systems in non-residential buildings, and indoor environmental quality in new and existing buildings
• Financing and technical assistance: more targeted financing to address energy poverty and support vulnerable households and people living in social housing, ensuring that the transition is socially fair 

For most citizens, the changes will happen gradually. You may see

• increased support for home renovation projects
• new incentives for insulation and efficient heating systems
• more solar installations
• stricter standards for new construction
• greater attention to energy performance when buying or renting property.

For more information

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