PURPOSE : to lay down measures in order to improve the energy performance of
buildings.
COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council.
CONTENT : The objective of this Directive is to promote the improvement of
the energy performance of buildings within the Community, taking into
account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate
requirements and cost-effectiveness.
This Directive lays down requirements as regards:
- the general framework for a methodology of calculation of the integrated
energy performance of buildings. This may be differentiated at regional
level. The methodology must include, in addition to thermal insulation,
other factors that play an increasingly important role such as heating and
air-conditioning installations, application of renewable energy sources and
design of the building. Member States must set minimum energy performance
requirements for buildings. These requirements must take into account
general indoor climate conditions, in order to avoid possible negative
effects such as inadequate ventilation, as well as local conditions and the
designated function and the age of the building. Member States may decide
not to set requirements for certain specified categories of building.
- the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of new
buildings. For new buildings with a total useful floor area over 1000m2, the
feasibility of alternative systems such as systems based on renewable
energy, must be considered before construction starts.
- the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large
existing buildings that are subject to major renovation. When buildings with
a total useful floor area over 1000m2 undergo major renovation, their energy
performance must be upgraded in order to meet minimum requirements, insofar
as this is feasible. The requirements may be set either for the renovated
building as a whole or for the renovated systems when these are part of a
renovation to be carried out within a limited time period.
- energy certification of buildings. When buildings are constructed, sold or
rented out, an energy performance certificate must be made available to the
owner or prospective buyer or tenant. The validity of the certificate may
not exceed 10 years. The certificate must include reference values such as
current legal standards and benchmarks in order that consumers may compare
the energy performance of buildings. The objective of the certificate must
be limited to the provision of information and any legal effects must be
decided in accordance with national rules.
- regular inspection of boilers and of air-conditioning systems in buildings
and in addition an assessment of the heating installation in which the
boilers are more than 15 years old. Boilers of an effective rated output of
more than 100kW must be inspected every two years, and for gas boilers, this
may be extended to four years.
For certification and inspection of boilers and air-conditioning systems,
Member States may, due to lack of experts, have an addition three years
before full application of the relevant provisions.
DATE OF TRANSPOSITION : 04/01/06.
ENTRY INTO FORCE : 04/01/03.