EU takes enforcement action against UK and Belgium

The European Commission has launched court proceedings against Belgium and the UK for failure to notify adequate national implementing measures as required by the 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

The Commission said the goal of the Directive is to reduce energy consumption in buildings and it thus forms an important part of EU legislation aimed at improving overall energy efficiency.

The Commission sent both States a letter of formal notice in February 2006, and a reasoned opinion in October 2006, requesting them to notify urgently the transposition measures required by the Directive.

However, Belgium and the UK have failed to provide information to demonstrate convincingly that they have fully implemented the necessary measures.

“Belgium and the UK have failed to provide information to demonstrate convincingly that they have fully implemented the necessary measures.

European Commission

The UK is accused of not officially implementing the Directive in Gibraltar and Northern Ireland.

The Directive requires Member States to establish minimum energy performance standards and energy performance certification schemes for buildings, as well as to ensure that heating and air conditioning installations are regularly inspected to enable performance improvements.

The deadline for the implementation of the Directive was January 4, 2006 with derogation possible for certain articles until January 4, 2009.

The building sector is responsible for 40% of Europe's total energy consumption