The European Union has recently finalised an agreement updating the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), under the Spanish Presidency of the Council.

This revision marks a significant step in enhancing building safety and energy efficiency across the EU.

Updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive addresses fire safety challenges

Fire Safe Europe has lauded the revised EPBD as a critical step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve building safety and energy efficiency within the EU.

The revision particularly addresses the challenges brought about by the electrification of buildings.

Notably, Recital 28e of the revision recognises the heightened fire safety risks associated with the integration of technologies like heat pumps, solar installations, and electric vehicle charging points.

New mandates for improved fire safety measures in car parks

The EPBD revision introduces new mandates for both the European Commission and Member States to bolster fire safety measures.

A significant aspect is the guidance on fire safety in car parks, which the Commission is expected to publish by the end of 2025 (Article 12, Paragraph 8).

Concurrently, Article 26, Paragraph 3 calls on Member States to provide comprehensive training and guidance on fire safety.

EPBD revision: Sustainable fire safety integral in renovations and new constructions

The revised EPBD continues to emphasise fire safety in both renovation projects and new building constructions.

It insists on maintaining strict fire safety measures throughout various building projects, from the initial design phase to extensive renovations, as highlighted in Articles 7 and 8.

Eugenio Quintieri remarked: “We welcome the EPBD revision as a progressive step in building safety.

However, it will be crucial to monitor the EPBD implementation to make sure that fire safety is taken in due consideration while making EU buildings more energy-efficient.”

In addition to these fire safety updates, the EPBD revision aligns with the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package.

Adopted on 15 December 2021, it aims for a zero-emission building stock by 2050, introducing definitions like ‘zero-emission building’ and refining others such as ‘nearly-zero energy building’ (nZEB) and ‘deep renovation’.

The Commission proposes that all new EU buildings must be zero-emission by 2030, with public buildings meeting this standard by 2027.

Moreover, it seeks to increase renovation rates for the worst-performing buildings by introducing minimum EU-level efficiency standards​​.

The European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on this strengthened directive on 7 December 2023.

This agreement supports the EU’s efforts to reduce emissions and energy use in buildings, focusing particularly on the worst-performing buildings​​.

IFSJ Comment

The EPBD revision is a substantial move towards aligning fire safety with the evolving needs of modern buildings, particularly in the context of increasing electrification.

The inclusion of specific mandates for car park fire safety and the emphasis on fire safety in both renovations and new constructions reflect a comprehensive approach to fire safety.

The EU’s commitment to transitioning towards zero-emission buildings by 2030, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, also indicates a strong synergy between environmental sustainability and building safety.

Monitoring the implementation of these revisions will be key to ensuring that these dual objectives of fire safety and energy efficiency are met effectively.