European UnionOur apartment building has terrible energy efficiency. Does EU law require renovation?
Yes, EU law requires energy-efficient renovations of existing buildings through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), with binding national targets and minimum energy performance standards.
What the Law Says
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the core EU law requiring energy-efficient renovations of existing residential and non-residential buildings.
Under the revised EPBD (Directive (EU) 2024/1275), all EU Member States must establish long-term renovation strategies to achieve a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050. This includes legally binding minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for existing buildings.
From 1 January 2027, all residential buildings rented out or sold must meet at least energy performance certificate (EPC) class E. From 1 January 2030, this rises to class D for rented dwellings, and from 1 January 2033, to class C — with exemptions only for technical, structural, or economic feasibility barriers that are properly documented.
Member States must also ensure an annual renovation rate of at least 1.4% of the total floor area of residential buildings owned by public authorities — and encourage equivalent rates across the broader building stock. National plans must include measures to support vulnerable households and avoid energy poverty.
Statutory TextMember States shall ensure that, as from 1 January 2027, all residential buildings that are rented out or sold achieve at least energy performance class E.
— Directive (EU) 2024/1275, Art. 2a(1)
Statutory TextBy 1 January 2030, all residential buildings that are rented out shall achieve at least energy performance class D.
— Directive (EU) 2024/1275, Art. 2a(2)
Statutory TextMember States shall ensure an annual renovation rate of at least 1.4 % of the total floor area of residential buildings owned by public authorities.
— Directive (EU) 2024/1275, Art. 6(1)
What to Do
Check your building’s current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — it’s publicly available and required for rental/sale in all EU countries.
Contact your national Building Renovation Hub (listed on the EU Renovation Wave website) for free advice and eligibility checks for grants.
If you’re a tenant, request information from your landlord about planned upgrades — they must disclose compliance timelines under national transposition laws.
Report non-compliance after 2027 (for class E) or 2030 (for class D) to your national market surveillance or energy agency — enforcement is handled at national level.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.