The impact of the new energy Efficiency Directive on social and affordable housing

Every year, EU Member States will have to ensure that at least 3% of the heated or cooled public buildings will have to be renovated to nearly zero-energy or zero-emission levels. The revised legislation also stresses that governments “may exempt social housing from the obligation to renovate […] where such renovations would not be cost neutral or would lead to rent increases for people living in social housing that cannot be limited to the equivalent of the economic savings on the energy bill.”

The upcoming law also puts a stronger emphasis on the necessary funding of energy efficiency measures. To protect people affected by energy poverty and social housing tenants (where applicable), EU national governments would also be expected to insist that the renovation of buildings and social housing, replacement of appliances, financial support, and incentives for energy efficiency improvement measures are carried out by energy providers or distribution services operators.

Housing Europe members and partners who would like to get a better understanding of the new legal text can get in touch with our Policy Director, Julien Dijol

Read the approved EED text here.