Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings
The Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC) aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from buildings by improving their energy efficiency.The EU member states have together promised under the Kyoto climate change convention to reduce their combined emissions of carbon dioxide by 8 % compared to the benchmark year of 1990 by the Kyoto compliance period 2008-2012.
Finland’s national target within the EU is to ensure that national emissions do not exceed their level in 1990 (approx 70 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent). Energy consumption has since been increasing steadily, however. Buildings account for 40 % of energy consumption in the EU as a whole. Most of this energy is used by their lighting, heating, hot water and cooling systems.
The directive shapes national legislation on both the construction of new buildings and the maintenance of existing buildings. It covers three main areas:
- Energy certificates for buildings;
- Minimum requirements for buildings’ energy efficiency; and
- Regular inspections of heating boilers and ventilation/air conditioning systems.
The directive is applied in member states with reference to differing national climatic conditions and other local conditions, including indoor air quality requirements and considerations related to the cost-effectiveness of alternative measures.
