The European Council agreed June 26 its position on a proposal for a revised directive to raise the energy efficiency of buildings, which account for 40% of the bloc's final energy. This agreement will allow for the start of negotiations with the European Parliament under the Estonian presidency – which starts next month – on energy efficiency in buildings and to support cost-effective building renovation with a view to the long term goal of decarbonising the building stock.

In particular, the proposal requires member states to establish long-term renovation strategies, addressing also energy poverty. It strengthens the links between energy efficiency policy and financing.

Another important feature of the revised directive is the promotion of electro-mobility, by requiring at least one charging point per ten parking spaces for electric vehicles in non-residential buildings – there was a higher ratio in the original proposal – and pre-cabling for every parking space in residential buildings. These requirements will apply to buildings with more than ten parking spaces. The introduction of a smartness indicator for buildings is proposed and the inspection of heating and air conditioning systems is simplified.

Malta's minister for energy and water Joe Mizzi said the proposal "underlines the importance of aligning the digital single market and the Energy Union agendas, as digitalisation of the energy system is quickly changing the energy landscape, from the integration of renewables to smart grids and smart buildings." The presidency moves from Malta to Estonia in the second half of this year, with Bulgaria following in the first half of 2018.

The conclusions of the European Council of October 2014 set an indicative target of at least 27% increase in energy efficiency at EU level in 2030 but the aim is to raise this to 30%.

William Powell