CEMR calls for flexible, well-resourced revisions to the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as one of its cornerstones. Buildings account for a significant share of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, making energy efficiency and sustainable renovation crucial to the Fit for 55 package. In its response to the consultation on the EPBD revision, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) stresses the essential role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in ensuring a successful and fair transition.
CEMR welcomes the ambition of the European Green Deal but underlines that success depends on proper implementation, adequate financial support, and respect for the principle of subsidiarity. Local and regional authorities are on the frontline of climate action, yet they need flexible frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all obligations.
Among its key recommendations, CEMR highlights:
- Flexibility and subsidiarity: Member States and LRGs should be able to adopt integrated, territorial approaches to emissions reduction, focusing not only on building-level efficiency but also on neighbourhood and system-wide solutions.
- Life-cycle perspective: Regulations must take into account emissions from construction materials such as steel and concrete, as well as opportunities for circularity and reuse.
- Indicative, not mandatory standards: Minimum energy performance requirements and renovation targets should remain indicative to reflect local contexts, available resources, and socio-economic realities.
- Equal treatment of renewable energy: Energy produced on-site and energy delivered via carriers like district heating, renewable gases or electricity grids must be treated on the same footing.
- Financing and equity: Investment tools like ELENA must be adjusted to ensure accessibility, particularly for vulnerable households. Measures must avoid creating energy poverty or split incentives between landlords and tenants.
CEMR also urges the Commission to reduce administrative burdens, ensure consistency between the EPBD, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), and reinforce cooperation across levels of governance.
Europe’s climate-neutral future depends on a resilient and efficient building sector. Local and regional governments are central actors in achieving this transformation. To succeed, the revised EPBD must provide adequate support, flexibility, and resources while avoiding rigid, burdensome rules. By empowering municipalities and regions to act according to their local realities, the EU can ensure that the green transition delivers both climate impact and social fairness.
For more information, contact:
Policy Officer – Energy and Environment
