Energy Performance of Buildings - recast (EPBD)
Summary
TAV. 00The recast of the directive on the energy performance of buildings, known as EPBD IV or "green homes", in force since 28 May 2024. It redesigns the European framework: zero-emission buildings for new construction, trajectories to reduce the average consumption of the residential stock by 2030 and 2035, a renovation passport, the gradual phase-out of fossil-fuel boilers and a revision of the Energy Performance Certificate. The transposition deadline for Member States is 29 May 2026; in Italy the transposition decree is being finalised and until then Legislative Decree 192/2005 remains the reference.
Scope of application
TAV. 01It applies to new and existing buildings in EU Member States and to their technical systems. It sets objectives and tools that States transpose into national law: minimum energy performance standards, requirements for zero-emission buildings, certification and renovation plans.
In depth
TAV. AA directive, not a national law
EPBD IV is the recast of the directive on the energy performance of buildings (it replaces 2010/31/EU). Like any directive, it binds Member States as to the results but leaves them the form of transposition: it entered into force on 28 May 2024 and must be transposed by 29 May 2026. In Italy, until the transposition decree, the operational reference remains Legislative Decree 192/2005.
Zero-emission buildings (ZEB)
The core of the directive is the new zero-emission building (ZEB) standard: very low energy demand, no on-site emissions from fossil fuels and consumption covered by renewables or very-high-efficiency systems. It becomes mandatory for new public buildings from 2028 and for all new buildings from 2030, superseding the earlier NZEB concept.
The existing stock: trajectories and minimum standards
On the existing stock the directive acts differently for residential and non-residential buildings, leaving States to choose the instruments (incentives, specific obligations) to be defined in the national renovation plan.
| Scope | Target | Horizon |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | reduce average primary energy use | -16% by 2030, -20/-22% by 2035 |
| Non-residential | renovate the worst-performing buildings via minimum performance standards | worst 16% by 2030, 26% by 2033 |
| Heating systems | end subsidies for fossil-only boilers; gradual phase-out | from 2025, towards 2040 |
The supporting tools
Around these targets the directive renews the tools: an Energy Performance Certificate harmonised on a common European scale (classes A to G), the voluntary renovation passport, requirements for installing solar energy in buildings and for electric-mobility recharging infrastructure.
- 01EU directiveSets common objectives and standards (ZEB, trajectories, EPC).
- 02National transpositionEach State turns the directive into law, setting values, timing and incentives (in Italy, a decree updating Legislative Decree 192/2005).
- 03Requirements on buildings and systemsThey apply to new construction and renovation according to the national timetable.
- 04EPC and verificationPerformance is certified and made comparable on the property market.
Key points
TAV. K- EPBD IV "green homes", in force since 28 May 2024; transposition by 29 May 2026.
- Zero-emission buildings (ZEB) for new construction, with differentiated timelines.
- Trajectories to cut average residential-stock consumption by 2030 and 2035.
- Renovation passport, EPC revision and gradual phase-out of fossil-fuel boilers.
- Not yet transposed in Italy: until the transposition decree, Legislative Decree 192/2005 applies.
Materials concerned
TAV. MProcesses involved
TAV. PState-exam tracks that call it into play
TAV. EWhere this rule shows up in past architect qualification exams — study the rule, not just the theme.
Frequently asked questions
TAV. QIs the EPBD directive already in force in Italy?
The directive has been in force at EU level since 28 May 2024, but it must be transposed by Member States by 29 May 2026. In Italy, until the transposition decree, Legislative Decree 192/2005 applies: obligations for citizens and designers will start with the national rule.
What is a zero-emission building (ZEB)?
A building with very low energy demand, no on-site CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and consumption covered by renewables or very-high-efficiency systems. It will be the standard for new public buildings from 2028 and for all new buildings from 2030.
Does the directive require removing the gas boiler?
It does not require immediate replacement. It ends subsidies for boilers powered solely by fossil fuels from 2025 and aims at their gradual phase-out by 2040; timing and detail are set by national transposition.
What changes for existing homes?
States must reduce the average primary energy use of the residential stock (-16% by 2030, -20/-22% by 2035) and renovate the worst non-residential buildings. The concrete measures (incentives, obligations) are chosen by each State in the national renovation plan.
What is the renovation passport?
A voluntary document that maps, in phases, the roadmap to bring an existing building towards high performance or zero emissions, helping the owner plan works over time.
Glossary
TAV. G- Edificio a emissioni zero (ZEB)
- A building with very low energy demand, no on-site emissions from fossil fuels and consumption covered by renewables or very-high-efficiency systems.
- NZEB (edificio a energia quasi zero)
- The previous standard, with nearly zero energy demand covered to a significant extent by renewables; the 2024 directive supersedes it with the ZEB.
- Attestato di Prestazione Energetica (APE)
- The document certifying a building's energy performance on a scale of classes; the directive harmonises its criteria at European level.
- Standard minimi di prestazione (MEPS)
- Thresholds requiring the worst-performing buildings to be brought progressively above a minimum performance level.
- Passaporto di ristrutturazione
- A voluntary document that maps a phased roadmap to bring a building towards high performance or zero emissions.
- Recepimento
- The process by which a Member State turns an EU directive into national law, within a set deadline.