Transformation in construction sector
Ecological construction is no longer a trend but it has become a necessity. The construction sector consumes as much as 40% of energy, which means 36% of CO2 emission which is generated in the European Union. Unfortunately, buildings in the whole Europe aren’t in the best conditions in terms of energy efficiency and are still powered most of all by fossil energy. However, this is about to change. The European Commission wants to pass a law for all new buildings from 2030 to become zero-emission, in the case of new public buildings this time is going to be reduced to 2027. Achieving emissions at the zero level is obviously connected with the use of renewable energy sources.
Changes for existing buildings
The changes connected with the energy efficiency also involve existing buildings. The European Union assumes that they will be emission-free by 2050. It is certainly a challenge for the entire construction industry – there will be about 7.5 million thermal modernization projects to perform, as well as 6.9 million heat sources replacement. The energy system renovation is going to reduce energy bills, which recently have increased significantly, and it is still not the end of the rise of prices
All the proposed changes are also supposed to boost the construction industry. What is more, all planned thermo-modernizations and renovations are the chance to create thousands of workplaces and faster development of this service sector.
Energy performance certificate
It is a document where is determined the amount of energy required to meet the needs for the use of the whole building or just part of it. To put it simply, we will find there information on the amount of energy needed for heating, ventilation, hot water preparation, cooling or lighting (in the case of non-residential buildings). The main purpose of introducing the obligation to prepare an energy certificate for a building was to promote the energy-efficient construction, as well as the need to raise public awareness. This document allows for an approximate determination of the maintenance costs of such a building. This obligation extends to:
- all public utility buildings,
- buildings offered for sale or rent (information on the energy performance class must be included in all notices)
- buildings where the rental agreement is renewed
By 2025, all certificates in preparation must be based on a harmonized A to G scale.