The text agreed to on Tuesday will have to be formally approved by the European Council before the full Parliament gives its final endorsement at the beginning of 2010.
Once adopted, Member States will have to transpose the new directive into their national laws within two years. Public authorities will set an example by adopting these measures in time for 2018 by owning or renting only highly energy-efficient buildings as well as promoting the conversion of existing buildings into near-zero standard.
Although a timeframe was successfully specified for new buildings, energy efficiency standards will not be enforced on existing buildings by any foreseeable date. The text which will serve as the basis for the new directive represents a statement of intent rather than an action plan in this respect.
“Bellona had hoped for the original plan, where the Parliament had favoured a tougher standard, by suggesting ‘zero energy’ buildings” by 2019,” says Knut Helland Hansen from Bellona.
“I am afraid that the definition of ‘near-zero energy’ in the new directive is too vague. Nevertheless, this is a big step in the right direction.”
Read the European Parliament press release at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/051-64747-322-11-47-909-20091118IPR64746-18-11-2009-2009-false/default_en.htm