The EPBD recast 2024 is a fact, aiming at decarbonisation and including IEQ as part of the equation

The history of the EPBD goes far back. In 2002, 22 years ago the first version was published. This was the basis for Mandate 343 from EU Commission to CEN (April 2004) which resulted in the first set of EPB standards as published in 2007. Further development of the EPBD (recast 2010) required a rigorous update and harmonisation of this set of EPB standards, which resulted in a second mandate M/480 (12-2010). The current set of EPB standards published in 2017 is based on this. Meanwhile the EPBD 2018 amendment and the current EPBD recast 2024 have been published.

Focus areas of the recast EPBD 2024

Updating the set of EPB standards

At CEN and ISO level a roadmap on revision of the current set of EPB standards is agreed and published[1]. The proposed work should start as soon as possible. Possible when the financial support for this extensive task is secured.

Indoor Environmental Quality

A very important change is that IEQ is included in the subject matter of the EPBD (art.1). IEQ shall be taken into account in all new and renovated buildings. It is up to the MS’s setting the requirements for implementation of adequate IEQ standards. Having a clear and unambiguous IEQ standard in the set of EPB standards will, as also mentioned in the Annex I of the EPBD, help MS’s to choose the correct approach. Currently several working groups in CEN are active in preparing an update of EN16798-1[2]. As the Commission is preparing guidance documents to support the implementation, information on the draft update of this IEQ standard will be most welcome.