Housing companies must wake up to the energy efficiency of the EPBD – time is running out

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will change the way housing companies operate over the next five years. It is a major EU measure aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral building stock by 2050. The first targets are set for 2030, when energy use in residential buildings should be reduced by 16 % from 2020 levels.

The directive specifically obliges buildings with poor energy efficiency. So far, no mandatory repair fines have been announced, but the pressure is on. In addition, more than half of the required improvements should be targeted at buildings with the lowest energy efficiency class.

In Finland, over 60% of % residential buildings are apartment buildings or terraced houses – i.e. housing companies. Therefore, the responsibility for achieving the goals lies firmly with the housing companies. The problem is that the national implementation of the directive is still under way at the Ministry of the Environment, and there is still no certainty about the support mechanisms. In other words: waiting will not help. On the contrary – the later we start, the more difficult and expensive the implementation will be.

Why should you act now?

The payback period for many energy efficiency measures is already short. For example, the prices of heat pump solutions and solar power plants have leveled off clearly. Hybrid solutions that use geothermal or air-to-water heat pumps working together with district heating, can cover up to 80 % of the annual energy demand.

At the same time, energy efficiency is increasingly affecting the value of a property and access to credit. A good location is no longer enough for banks – technical condition and energy class are also increasingly important. Energy investment is not only an act of responsibility – it is also economically sound.

In an uncertain economic situation, renovation projects have been postponed. This can prove costly. As the requirements of the EPBD become stricter, there is a risk that design, installation and equipment suppliers will no longer have time to meet demand. This was already seen in 2022/23, when the energy crisis triggered a sudden rush.

The housing company should start completion immediately.

In this case, well planned is truly half done. When mapping and project planning are done now, the actual implementation can be scheduled smartly – before the market tightens.

Renewe helps housing companies throughout the entire process: from mapping to project planning, technical solutions and implementation. We have experience, a wide range of products and expertise in one place.

Book free initial survey – start planning early.