The European Union DOES NOT ban boilers or heating systems, such as central heating, boilers, heaters, etc., based on fossil fuels, the European Commission has stated.
The EU is taking measures to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings, which translates into lower bills for consumers and an improved quality of life.
In 2020, the Commission presented the Building Renovation Wave Strategy as part of the European Green Deal, and the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is a key initiative.
Recently, the European Parliament adopted the provisions agreed with the Council, which will contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector.
The provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will thus support the EU's efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the European Union.
This brings concrete benefits to citizens in the context of the European Green Deal by:
- improving people's quality of life, at home and at work
- increasing housing comfort and reducing energy bills.
Specifically, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive agreed upon by the European Parliament and EU member states provides for a gradual phase-out by 2040 of boilers/heating systems fueled by fossil fuels. Therefore, existing gas heating systems are not banned.
After the directive comes into force, governments will have the possibility to gradually eliminate certain heating devices based on their emissions, the type of fuel used, or the minimum share of energy from renewable sources used.
In addition, governments will need to establish specific measures for the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels used for heating and cooling by 2040.
EU directives provide national governments with flexibility in meeting their agreed aspirations and overall objectives. The legislation is designed to take into account all national peculiarities of the real estate and energy mix in each country.