Finland reprimanded over failure to implement EPBD

The popular opinion is that Finland is amongst the best EU member states for giving a priority to energy efficiency. Finnbay reports that the European Commission has referred Finland to the Court of Justice because of its failure to implement aspects of the buildings directive related to energy performance certificates and nearly zero energy buildings.

Commission refers Finland to court for failing on energy efficiency in buildings

The European Commission has referred Finland to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to apply minimum energy performance requirements for all buildings, and to ensure the certification of buildings’ energy performance and require the regular inspection of heating and air conditioning systems. The Commission proposes a daily penalty of €178,25 against Finland.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1 December 2009, if Member States fail to transpose EU legislation into national law within the required deadline, the Commission may ask the Court to impose financial sanctions when referring the case to court.

Currently, Finland lack sufficient transposition measures on regional level, including, amongst others, measures relating to energy certificates and nearly-zero energy buildings.

“Energy efficiency is vital for keeping our energy costs in check and mitigating climate change. Using less energy is paramount for ensuring security of supply in Europe. It is essential that all Member States put in place the legislation necessary to speed up energy efficiency measures. 40% of EU energy consumption is in the buildings’ sector and it is here where the most energy can be saved”, says Günther Oettinger, the EU Energy Commissioner.

According to the Commission, the minimum energy requirements in buildings directive aims to provide environmentally friendly market incentives both for the renovation of existing buildings and for the construction of ‘nearly zero energy buildings’ such as buildings which consume very little energy thanks to excellent insulation, their orientation towards the sun, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, etc.

In case of an affirmative judgment of the Court, the daily penalty is to be paid from the date of the judgment until the transposition is completed. The final amount of the daily penalty will be decided by the Court.