The European Parliament adopted its position on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) with 343 votes in favour, 216 against and 78 abstentions. “Huge step forward for lower energy bills, reducing energy poverty, and tackling 36 percent of EU emissions,” tweeted C. Cuffe, MEP rapporteur on the EPBD.
Glass for Europe welcomes the adopted text which strikes a balance between the different visions of the European Parliament, allows flexibility to Member States and provides the industry the predictability and market stability needed to deliver on the Renovation Wave.
Saving energy and imported gas in Europe’s building stock is an imperative largely recognised yet transforming the building stock takes time and efforts over the long term. Today’s vote provides the much-needed impetus to pursue and accelerate building renovation efforts.
In the months to come, co-negotiators must build a constructive dialogue to make sure that the EPBD delivers on its purposes. The European flat glass industry is ready to deliver on the ground by manufacturing the high-performance glazing needed to improve comfort, reduce energy for heating and cooling and contribute to the decarbonisation of EU buildings. Nearly 36,4 Mtoe could be saved in 2023 by doubling the window replacement rate.