The revision of the EPBD is the opportunity to continue and improve the legal framework for the promotion of energy efficient buildings, taking into account the learnings from the last years. In this context, we would like to highlight the following recommendations:

• Use a holistic approach when calculating the energy performance of buildings
• Cerame-Unie supports the use of primary energy demand as an indicator, as it is the most appropriate for calculating energy performance of buildings. It enables to take into account the building as a whole, including the building envelope and all technical building systems (equipment for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, lighting etc.) as well as the renewable energy produced on-site or nearby. This ensures that the most cost- and energy-efficient choices are made for each building.
• the calculation of the energy performance of new buildings shall take into account a combination of a very good standard of insulation with modern heating/cooling technology and supply of the building with renewable energy. This normally leads to the most economically and ecologically optimal solution for new buildings.
• The renovation of existing buildings is of utmost importance to reach EU’s climate and energy targets. The level of thermal insulation of the building envelope in existing buildings is normally poor compared to new buildings. In this case, it is essential to put priority on the optimisation of the insulation of the building envelope in case of renovation of old buildings.
• Better value the contribution of thermal mass to buildings’ energy performance
• Ensure that housing remains affordable
• Promote both renovation and new construction

Read our position paper