UmsArt9

On 24 April 2024, the recast of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) entered into force. One of the main new provisions is Art. 9 (2). It requires EU Member States to reduce the primary energy consumption of their residential building stock by at least 16 % by 2030 and at least 20-22 per cent by 2035, compared to 2020. At least 55 per cent of this amount of savings shall be achieved through renovation of the 43 per cent of worst-performing buildings (WPB).

This study analysed how Germany might implement these requirements in a way meeting climate policy targets and energy policy objectives, while ensuring a socially just transition. Using recent scenario analyses as a basis, the study first found that additional policies and measures within a high-ambition policy mix will be needed to meet not only the Art. 9 (2) targets, but all energy efficiency and climate policy targets from German and EU legislation. The study developed a methodology that Germany might use to identify the WPB. Evaluating the German buildings typology, it delivers a first estimate for the threshold value, above which a building is defined to be a WPB. It also suggests a process and trigger facts, by which an individual building may be classified as a WPB. Finally, the study analyses potential policies and measures to achieve the energy savings targets. These include improved targeted financial incentives and tenancy legislation, the roll-out of one-stop shops for practical support to building owners’ approaches to accelerate energy efficiency renovations and reduce costs, and minimum energy performance standards for inefficient buildings.

For practical reasons of implementation and compliance, these standards may initially be limited to cases of change of ownership and to multi-family houses in single ownership. Yet, these could already achieve energy savings across the building stock of 10 per cent by 2035.