The improvement of energy efficiency in buildings would bring several benefits, including:
- Reduction of energy consumption in Europe by about 5 to 6%;
- Reduction of CO₂ emissions by approximately 5%;
- Improvement of the quality of life for occupants;
- Reduction of diseases associated with poor indoor air quality.
There are several directives in force in the European Union aimed at improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings.
There are various European directives in force aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings:
- 2002/91/EC – Energy performance of buildings: requires EU Member States to issue energy certificates for buildings.
- 2005/32/EC – Ecodesign of energy-using products: sets sustainable design requirements for energy-consuming products.
- 92/75/EEC – Energy labeling: establishes rules for information on the energy consumption of domestic electrical appliances.
- 2009/125/EC – Ecodesign of products related to energy consumption: creates a framework to improve energy efficiency throughout the life cycle of products, covering both those that consume energy and those that impact its consumption (such as building components).
- 2010/31/EU, amended by Directive 2018/844/EU – Energy Performance of Buildings: stipulates that all new buildings must be NZEB (nearly zero-energy buildings). This requirement applies to service buildings since January 1, 2019, and to residential dwellings since January 1, 2021.
- 2012/27/EU – Energy Efficiency Directive: aims to increase the energy performance of residential and service buildings, as well as reduce carbon intensity. It includes measures such as promoting high-performance insulation materials, double-glazed windows, thermally broken frames, and low-emissivity glass.
There is a large number of certifications and international labels for efficient buildings.