Political agreement on the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) review.

On 19 December, the EU Council and European Parliament agreed on a compromise on the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) review.

Ventilation systems are included in the scope of inspections where they are combined with central heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, a feasibility study will be carried out by the European Commission before 2020 to possibly introduce inspections for stand-alone ventilation systems.

The threshold for all inspections (space heating or combined space heating and ventilation and air-conditioning systems or combined air-conditioning and ventilation systems) will be 70 kW. Alternatives to inspections such as advice can be put in place. However, Member States have to prove that it has the same effect as inspections.

Where technically and economically feasible, building automation and control systems (BACS) are mandatory for large non-residential buildings with an effective rated output of over 290kW by 2025.

Non-residential buildings equipped with BACS and residential buildings equipped by continuous electronic monitoring shall be exempt from inspections.

Healthy indoor climate conditions must be addressed when buildings are undergoing major renovations.

The smart readiness indicator should be used to measure the capabilities of a building or building unit to adapt its operation to the needs of the occupant, the grid, and to improve its energy efficiency and overall performance. The use of the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be optional for Member States.

The final approval of this agreement should take place in April with a vote in the European Parliament. Once formally adopted, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and the legislation will enter into force twenty days later. The transposition period for this legislation is 20 months.