The EU's Building Sector
The building sector accounts for approximately 40% of total energy consumption in the European Union. According to the European Commission's research, energy-efficiency improvements could decrease CO2 emissions from the construction industry by 22%, and would help the EU to meet its climate change targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

History of EC Directive 2002/91/EC
In 2000, the European Commission's Action Plan on Energy Efficiency emphasized the importance for specific measures in the building sector. In response to it, the EC Directive 2002/91/EC on The Energy Performance of Buildings was published in the EU Official Journal on January 4th, 2003, and became European Law the following day.

Implementation Deadline
The Directive must be implemented by Member States no later than January 4th, 2006, allowing for the implementation of appropriate energy rating and certification schemes for buildings, as well as the training of adequate personnel to perform energy assessments.

For more information about the Directive and its implications, click here.
 

> New Part L and UK Involvement in the EU Directive

The residential and tertiary sector, the major part of which is buildings, accounts for more than 40% of final energy consumption in the European Community and is expanding.
 

European Parliament Report - Energy Efficiency Action Plan

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