Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) released the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This directive outlines a range of measures to help boost energy efficiency of buildings across Europe with the targeted end result being the achievement of a fully decarbonized building stock by 2050. Targeted renovations will be made to the worst-performing buildings – prompting these facilities to implement changes that gradually improve conformance to defined Minimum Energy Performance Standards. The directive calls for the 16% worst-performing buildings complete renovations that support decarbonization by 2030. It also calls for the 26% worst-performing buildings doing the same by 2033. While there are some exemptions, the Directive prompts the vast majority of non-residential buildings to take steps to improve carbon emissions.
Renewable energy resources – including wind turbines and photovoltaic (PV) modules – are replenished by natural sources and designed to emit minimal to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air. One way to meet the requirements of the Directive is to install FM Approved products that have been tested and certified to confirm performance in terms of fire resistance and other related categories.
All new public and non-residential buildings with useful floor areas larger than 250 m2 must meet the aforementioned EPBD mandates by December 31, 2026. All existing public buildings have staggered deadlines over the next 5+ years. Those with useful floor areas larger than 2,000 m2 must comply by December 31, 2027 (then 750 m2 by December 31, 2028, and 250 m2 by December 31, 2029).
Facility owners and other stakeholders can work with FM Approvals and reference the Approval Guide to identify FM Approved products, including renewables and other solutions, that support decarbonization of non-residential facilities.
Manufacturers of renewable energy products can kick-off the certification process now to become tested and certified – and thus included in the listing of FM Approved solutions that will be highly sought by the aforementioned facility owners throughout the EPBD rollout.
If your organization is in search of FM Approved products (to comply with EDBP) or interested in beginning the certification process (to verify performance), please reach out to Witali Engelhardt (Operations VP, EMEA New Business Development) at witali.engelhardt@fmapprovals.com.