Energy policy: energy performance of the buidings of the Union, energy saves and efficiency

The committee adopted the report by Alejo VIDAL-QUADRAS ROCA (EPP-ED, E) amending the proposal under the codecision procedure (1st reading) with the aim of clarifying and fleshing out some of the provisions. For example, the committee wanted the proposal's stated objective to take account of aspects such as indoor climatic conditions and cost-effectiveness. It also made a number of changes to the Commission's proposed definitions, arguing that some of them were too vague. A key recommendation by the committee was that it would be advisable to lay down at Community level the broad outline of the common methodology, together with minimum energy performance standards. These could, for example, draw a distinction between new and existing buildings and take account of climatic conditions, local conditions and the designated function and age of the building. The committee also wanted it to be compulsory - and not just optional - to include a CO2 emission indicator in certificates for new buildings. On the specific question of energy performance certificates, the committee felt that a transition period of 5 years should be allowed to facilitate the certification process for existing buildings. Another amendment called on the Commission to review the directive within 5 years of its entry into force. In particular, the committee wanted the Commission to look into the possibility of extending the obligation to consider investments in energy efficiency for existing buildings undergoing major renovations to include buildings which are less than 1000 m2 (under the present proposal, this would apply only to buildings that are larger than 1000m2 ). The committee also advocated staging public information campaigns about energy-saving methods and practices in the buildings sector. Lastly, it called for a three-year transition period after the entry into force of the directive, rather than the Commission's proposed date of 31 December 2003.�