According to the European Commission, buildings account for 40% of the energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. The new energy performance requirements are part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, which aims to reduce EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. The work to improve energy performance will be carried out in steps, with existing residential buildings being classified as at least E by 2030, and D by 2033. Other buildings will have to achieve the same results by 2027 and 2030, respectively. Exceptions are made for some buildings, such as listed buildings and churches. EU countries themselves set national renovation plans, which Parliament states should include measures to facilitate access to grants and funding.

As a next step, the Parliament's representatives will negotiate with Council representatives on the final shape of the bill.

Pål Warolin, CEO of Fasadgruppen said: "Over the past year, we have noticed a higher demand from property owners for energy efficiency measures in connection with renovations. That the EU is now taking further steps to increase the renovation rate among member states provides more support for the stability of the renovation market. Thanks to our wide range of services, Fasadgruppen can handle several different energy efficiency measures within the same project and is thus well positioned to help property owners meet the expected new requirements."