On March 12, 2024, the European Parliament approved the “Case Green” directive, the Energy Performance of Building Directive, also known as the EPBD Directive, officially included in the broader “Fit for 55” reform package. The directive aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Union, aiming to achieve neutrality by 2050.
The role of the construction sector and systems
In particular, this new regulation recognizes the construction sector as playing a fundamental role in energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts. Currently, European buildings account for 40% of final energy consumption and are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to a significant portion of energetically obsolete and inefficient buildings (about 75%).
However, although the EPBD Directive assigns a key role to heating and system technologies in achieving green objectives by promoting the use of renewable energies, it does not signal the end of gas boilers. There is no requirement for the forced removal of existing boilers, not even by 2040.
The Directive distinguishes clearly between so-called energy vectors and appliances. Indeed, starting from 2025, funding for fossil fuels will be phased out by 2040, but the possibility for appliances such as boilers to be fueled by renewable gas, as hydrogen, is also recognized.
It will be up to individual Member States to define the targets for the use of renewable gas, while the industry, which in Italy boasts a production hub of excellence, will be responsible for leading this transition towards products suitable for increasingly sustainable sources.
Hybrid heating technologies
A primary role will be played by hybrid technologies, capable of combining an electric vector with gaseous molecules, explicitly cited as a reference point in the EPBD Directive, and by gas heat pumps with thermal activation.
In the context of “zero-emission” buildings, the role of solar energy must also be considered, including solar thermal energy, which from 2027 must be mandatory in new large non-residential public buildings, with administrative simplifications foreseen.
Assotermica’s position on the EPBD Directive
Assotermica, the Italian Association of manufacturers of appliances and components for heating systems federated with Anima Confindustria, in a statement, welcomed this directive and understands the concerns expressed by the Italian Government during the final approval process, “as such an ambitious path requires significant investments, both public and private.” According to the Association, it will be “priority to define a durable and sustainable incentive plan for all as soon as possible, safeguarding public finances and at the same time accompanying citizens, businesses, and managers towards a path of efficiency for their buildings,” and will continue to actively collaborate with Institutions to achieve this.
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