EPBD IV (2024) implementation on its way

Several REHVA members reported in this RJ about the status of the implementation in their country. It demonstrates a mixed picture but the general impression is that in many EU Member States regulators and stakeholders choose for a minimal level of change of the current assessment procedures that are in force since the last recast EPBD (2018). Some acknowledge that more time is needed to address all aspects like awarding smart building interaction with the grid which requires EU MS’s to use at least hourly calculation procedures. To support this via the set of EPB standards a 3rd Mandate from the EU Commission to CEN to update these standards is essential.

Most energy performance assessment procedures are still based on the EPB standards published in 2017–2018. It is therefore not surprising that current updates to these procedures are limited, as the standards themselves have not been revised since then[1]. Calculating operational carbon emissions may appear to be a simple post-processing step (see EN ISO 52000-1 and EN 17423). However, other important EPBD-2024 topics—including technical building systems, indoor environmental quality and inspection, the phase-out of fossil fuel boilers, requirements for EP calculation methodology, and global warming potential assessment—are also covered in the guidance documents published in June 2025. These 13 topic-specific annexes offer both interpretative and practical support for implementing new or revised EPBD-2024 provisions.

At the event “Supporting EPBD implementation - Practical solutions developed by EU-funded initiatives,” held on 13 May 2026, DG Energy, several Member States, and other stakeholders reported on the current status. The presentation is available via the link[2].

Those interested in ISO-level developments related to the 52000 series of EPB standards are encouraged to register for the online workshop “Shaping the Future of Building Energy Performance Standards.” The workshop will take place on Monday, 14 September 2026, from 13:30 to 16:00 CEST. Participants attending the ISO/TC163 and ISO/TC205 meetings at DIN in Berlin that week may also join in person. We will share the registration link in the next RJ and/or through REHVA news.