The European Parliament wants all residential and commercial buildings constructed after 2018 to comply with stringent new requirements for energy efficiency.

The European Parliament wants all buildings constructed after 2018 to comply with stringent new requirements for energy efficiency.

All new residential and commercial buildings will have to produce as much energy as they consume by that time, for instance via solar panels or heat pumps, according to the new rules.
 
Extra European money will be made available to help fund the construction of such “zero-energy” buildings, while other financial measures such as tax cuts and low-interest loans will be considered.

Though existing structures are exempt from the zero-energy requirement, those that undergo major renovation will have to meet minimum energy performance requirements set by individual European member states.

There is also a stipulation that new buildings and old ones that undergo renovation should have smart meters fitted.

MEPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals, with 549 votes for and 51 against. However, they have yet to be embodied in legislation within individual member states, where they may face opposition.