On 5 December, RICS launched its Status Report on the Implementation of Directive 2002/91 on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) in the EU Member States.

The roundtable debate was co-organised by RICS and Brussels based ‘think-do tank’ The Centre. 

Based on the results of the RICS report, discussions focussed on both the challenges to proper implementation of the Buildings Directive and what the current difficulties mean for its upcoming revision.

Fiona Hall, a UK Liberal Member of the European Parliament, provided the opening remarks. Ms. Hall is the European Liberal Democrat energy spokesperson and Parliamentary rapporteur on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

This Action Plan is only one of many political documents showing that energy saving measures and the reduction of CO2 emissions are at the top of the global political agenda.

With buildings accounting for more than 40% of all CO2 emissions, RICS believes the EU has an important role to play in ensuring energy efficiency in the built environment Ursula Hartenberger, RICS EU Public Affairs Manager, presented the RICS Status Report to gain a better understanding of the implementation in individual EU Member States.

Four RICS Members provided expert input. German members Dr. David Lorenz (MRICS) and Mathias Zörner (MRICS) empasied consumer awareness as one of the main issues to tackle.

In Germany there are currently two certificates, a chepaer one based on energy consumption, and a more expensive one based on energy demand. As consumers do not know why they need the certificate, they tend to opt for the cheaper version, with very limited advice on how to implement energy efficient measures.

UK Members Miles Keeping (MRICS) and Ben Elder (FRICS) stressed the prolbems of implementation and the fact that the fine for non-compliance is often lower than the cost for implementing the legislation.

Overall, the amount as well as the level of qualification for energy inspectors should be upgraded.

The Commission representative announced that the planned revison for the EPBD will be announced during the EU Sustainable Energy Week in January 2008

The proposal can be expected towards the end of 2008, with 2012 as an estimate for its entry into force

The report not only provides facts and figures but also looks at where and why there are gaps. It also highlights the skill and qualification requirements to practise as energy inspectors in the EU which greatly differ from one country to the other.

Implementation of the Directive has turned out to be a considerable practical challenge for most Member States. At the time of publishing of this report there had been five full implementations and 20 infringement procedures. Against this background, RICS feels that the Commission needs to step up its efforts with regard to full implementation of the current Directive.

The report is available from the PDF Download panel at the right-hand side of the screen.

Obviously this report can only reflect the situation at the time of publishing. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, no warranty is made with regard to that content. RICS will have no responsibility for any errors or omissions and cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the content.

For more information on this report and the EPBD, please contact Ursula Hartenberger at uhartenberger@rics.org.