The European Union is introducing revolutionary changes to the energy efficiency of buildings. Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council (EPBD) requires associate States to prosecute zero-emission of buildings until 2050. What does this mean for property owners in Poland? Will we be forced to invest in costly renovations to adapt our homes to fresh standards? Let us look at the details of this directive and its possible consequences.
New standards for buildings: zero-emission mandatory
As amended by the ERA Directive, 2030 all fresh buildings in the EU must meet standards zero-emission. This means that they will not emit any greenhouse gases during use. In practice, this requires the usage of modern technologies, specified as photovoltaic panels, heat pumps or heat recovery systems. For the owners of existing buildings this means the work to carry out thermomodernisationto meet fresh requirements.
Time limits and timetable for amendments
EU associate States have time to 2025 to present preliminary plans for the renovation strategies of its building resources. To 2030 all fresh buildings must be zero-emission. For existing buildings, owners will be required to carry out the essential modernisation to meet certain energy efficiency standards.
Prohibition of the sale and rental of non-standard real estate
One of the more controversial provisions of the Directive is the anticipation of prohibiting the sale or rental of properties which do not meet certain energy efficiency standards. From 2030 provisions may prohibit the trading of immovable property which has not undergone adequate modernisation. This means that the owners of older buildings will gotta invest in their thermomodernisation in order to be able to sale or rent them.
Requirements for heating systems
The EPBD besides introduces changes in heating systems. From January 1, 2025 EU associate States should halt providing financial incentives for the installation of individual fossil fuel boilers. The exception is boilers, which are not an independent heat source, but work in a hybrid installation with an crucial share of renewable energy, e.g. in combination with a heat pump.
Possible exemptions and exceptions
The Directive provides for certain exceptions to the general principles. associate States may decide to exempt from the work to modernise buildings of peculiar historical or cultural importance. In addition, exceptions may be made for buildings whose costs of modernisation are disproportionately advanced compared to the energy savings achieved.
Financing and support to property owners
The introduction of fresh standards requires crucial investment in the modernisation of buildings. Different forms of financial support are envisaged to support property owners, both at national and EU level. In Poland there is simply a programme Clean Air, which offers subsidies for the replacement of old furnaces and thermomodernisation of houses. This program has resumed March 31, 2025, from December 12, 2025 applications can be submitted in flood-stricken areas. However, it should be borne in head that precedence will be given to those with lower incomes, with the aim of eliminating the alleged "couchs" and improving air quality.
Summary
The EU ERA Directive introduces crucial changes to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Property owners in Poland must prepare for the upcoming changes, which may require costly modernization. It is crucial to monitor available financial support programmes and to consult energy efficiency experts to adapt their properties to fresh standards and avoid possible sanctions.
SEO Tags: EPBD directive, zero-emission of buildings, thermomodernisation
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