On 25 October the Council of the EU found an agreement on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revision proposal, the primary goals of which are for all new construction to be zero-emission by 2030 and for all existing structures to be converted to zero-emission status by 2050. New buildings owned by public bodies would need to become zero-emission from 2028 on.
Through this revision, Member States will introduce minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings and maximum energy performance thresholds for existing non-residential buildings. All new construction must be planned to maximize the capacity to produce solar energy. Member States also agreed on requirements to make available sustainable mobility infrastructure, i.e. charging points for electric cars and bikes in or next to buildings. With the agreement, the Council can now begin negotiation with the European Parliament. The final text will then be formally endorsed by the Council and the Parliament.