EU: Energy-saving building and modernising

The European Union approved Directive No. 2002/91/EG on the “energy performance of buildings” in December 2002. It stipulates that all EU member states must introduce mandatory energy certification for new and existing buildings by 2006. This affects detached houses, blocks of flats and service buildings alike. The energy certificate is intended to help bring down the consumption of energy in buildings and consequently reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It will provide information about the energy performance of a house or flat, as well as show how much energy can be saved and what measures can be undertaken in the way of modernisation.