Part 01: Implementation of EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

Year: 2006
Policy Status: In force

Upon its publication in the EU Official Journal on 4th January 2003, the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) entered into EU law, allowing member states to transpose the Directive into domestic building codes until 4th January 2006. The Directive's principal objectives are:

• To promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the EU through cost effective measures;
• To promote the convergence of building standards towards those of Member States which already have ambitious levels.

Measures include:

• Methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings
• Application of performance standards on new and existing buildings
• Certification schemes for all buildings
• Regular inspection and assessment of boilers/heating and cooling installations

In Belgium, cooperation between the regions for inspecting building insulation and ventilation is conducted under the

(BBRI). Various actions are being undertaken to define, harmonise and improve the application of energy performance standards:

• creation of an information website on legislation relating to ventilation and insulation in the three regions
• production of a manual on a uniform inspection procedure throughout the country
• preparation of more appropriate legislation
• harmonisation of different standards
• enforcement of regulations, in the form of regular and more thorough building inspections.