With the proposal for the Energy Performance of Buildings, the EU Commission specifies the path to CO2-emission reduction in the building sector. From AK’s point of view, the focus on energy-poor households is both an important and positive development.

In its position paper, AK rejects the proposed “zero-emission buildings from 2030” standard. Building envelope standards based on cost-optimized calculations must remain the norm in renovation and new construction. When switching to climate-neutral heating systems, financing models in which households pay off investment costs through their ongoing energy bills, should be rejected categorically. Rather, there is a need for more transparency and more possibilities for consumers to enforce their rights. In addition, AK calls for the establishment of energy and climate aid funds at national level, enabling financially disadvantaged households to move towards climate neutrality in the housing and building sector.