Energy Performance of Buildings recast: only a balanced approach will allow SMEs to comply

The European Parliament approved its report on a proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast), in March 2023. At the same time, the Council also reached its general approach on the same topic, which was formally approved by the Energy Council on 25 October 2022.

Taking into account both positions, HOTREC has published its position paper, calling on both institutions to find a balanced compromise on the topic.

Our priorities are the following:

• Support must be provided to companies, especially SMEs (e.g., fiscal incentives, such as tax relief; funds targeting deep renovation), to allow them to implement the necessary infrastructural changes;
• Minimum Energy Performance Standards are essential to help achieve the EU targets. But a step-by-step approach is preferable, to allow companies to adapt, while the notion of building stock should be preserved (when compared to individual buildings);
• Charging stations and bicycle parking spaces shall not be mandatory;
• Solar energy can be encouraged, but not made compulsory.