Smarter Building Rules 

EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe

---

EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and Housing Europe have joined forces to publish a set of recommendations on the European Commission’s proposal to recast the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). While both organisations fully support the ambition to decarbonise buildings across the EU, they warn that the proposal must better reflect the realities on the ground. 

Local and regional governments, as well as providers of public, social, and cooperative housing, are critical actors in delivering the EU’s climate objectives. But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. 

The joint position paper outlines three key recommendations: 

1. Respect local differences through subsidiarity and adaptability 
   The EPBD must allow member states and local authorities to tailor building codes to their own context. Setting EU-level definitions for zero-emission buildings without a clear methodology risks creating uncertainty and undermining national efforts. Other areas, such as fire safety and asbestos removal, should remain the competence of national or local governments. 

2. Provide a stable and realistic framework for renovations 
   Renovating buildings is a long-term process that requires careful planning. The proposed EPBD introduces tight deadlines and shifting labelling systems, making it nearly impossible for local authorities and property owners to comply effectively. CEMR and Housing Europe argue for a more predictable timeline that reflects labour shortages, market dynamics, and tenant affordability. 

3. Support zero-emission construction with energy system flexibility 
   While new buildings must meet high standards, member states should retain the freedom to choose their energy sources. That includes not only on-site renewables, but also low-carbon energy from the grid, waste heat, and energy recovery, all in line with the EU waste hierarchy. 

Ultimately, the success of the EPBD will depend on how well it enables local and regional actors to deliver results. CEMR and Housing Europe are clear: the path to climate-neutral buildings must be ambitious but flexible, fair and grounded in local realities. 

Read the full policy paper here  

For more information, contact: