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Zero-emission buildings, no more fossil fuels, more renewables: contents of the EPBD IV directive
The European Parliament will meet in plenary session from 11 to 14 March for the approval of the EPBD IV (Energy Performance Building Directive). Once published in the Official Journal and adopted by the Member States, this directive will make significant changes to the regulatory framework for the energy performance of buildings.
The main purpose of the directive is to encourage the energy upgrading of buildings, both private and public, with the aim of curbing the EU’s total energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This is part of the EU’s broader goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Member States will therefore be called upon to implement measures to ensure specific targets are met, with a view to designing and constructing buildings with fewer energy requirements and an increasing contribution from renewable sources.
Reduction in consumption
Reduction in average primary energy used by buildings, according to their type:
| Residential buildings | Non-residential buildings |
| 16% by 2030 | 16% by 2030 |
| 20-22% by 2035 | 26% by 2033 |
Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB)
Building-plant systems must be designed and built with the objective of producing zero (or non-significant) emissions as from the years
- 2028 for newly built public buildings
- 2030 for all new buildings
- 2050 for all buildings, including those already standing
Putting a stop to fossil fuels
As of 1 January 2025, no more incentives will be granted for fossil fuel-based power generation. These systems will have to be gradually replaced, and eliminated completely by 2040, through a ban on their production and sale. Currently, about 68% of buildings in Italy use natural gas boilers.
An exception will be made for so-called ‘hybrid systems’, i.e. combinations of technologies that are able to produce useful energy using a considerable proportion of renewable sources. Specific parameters to be defined in the future will be needed to further clarify and quantify this aspect.
Renewable sources
According to the new rules, buildings in the future will be ‘solar ready’, i.e. ready for the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. The year in which this obligation comes into force will vary depending on the size and type of building:
| by | Building | Surface area |
| 2026 | New Public New Non Residential | > 250 m2 |
| 2027 | Existing – Public | > 2,000 m2 |
| Non residential subject to intervention | > 500 m2 | |
| 2028 | Existing – Public | – > 750 m2 |
| 2029 | New residential buildings New indoor car parks adjacent to buildings | |
| 2030 | Existing – Public | > 250 m2 |
Smart buildings
A key element of building performance is internal energy management using smart systems. These can lead to significant savings, even without the need for major revamping or upgrading.
An optional, common EU-wide scheme for assessing the readiness of buildings for the adoption of smart technologies will be put in place. This will be done by defining the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). Aspects to be considered include:
- Automated Monitoring and Management: Building systems are monitored and managed in an automated manner to maximise performance and the contribution made by renewables
- Optimal Comfort: Comfort is kept optimal in response to variations in building use and climatic conditions.
- Energy Modulation: Buildings have the ability to modulate energy use in response to demand.
- Interoperability: All technological systems are interoperable thanks to the implementation of BACS systems and advanced management platforms.
- Effective Connectivity: Buildings are equipped with an appropriate infrastructure to ensure efficient connectivity within the communication network.
Sustainable mobility
The Directive also seeks to implement measures to promote the installation of electric vehicle charging systems.
| Residential New or revamped important> 3 car spaces | at least 1 pre-wired charging point for at least 50% of parking spaces |
| Non-residential New or revamped important> 5 parking spaces | at least 1 charging point for every 5 pre-wired spaces for at least 50% of parking spaces |
| Non-residential > 20 parking spaces | at least 1 recharging point for every 10 parking spaces |
Exemptions
The EPBD IV sets out certain exemptions to the obligations for some categories of buildings. These include:
- Listed and Protected buildings: Buildings that are protected by law.
- Historical buildings: Buildings of historical importance.
- Temporary buildings: Buildings that have a temporary use.
- Churches.
- Detached Houses: Detached houses having a surface area below 50 sq.m.
- Holiday Homes: Second homes that are occupied for less than 4 months a year.
There is also the possibility of excluding public social housing from these obligations. This may be the case if upgrading works might lead to a disproportionate increase in rents, compared to achievable savings in energy bills.
