The fight against climate change requires both global and local efforts, and the European Union is taking a leadership role with the Case Green Directive. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize the European building stock, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. By 2050, the goal is clear: zero emissions for all existing buildings. This will not only help protect our planet but also offer economic benefits by creating jobs and reducing energy costs for millions of citizens.

Purpose and Key Deadlines The directive sets clear deadlines for member countries:

• 31 December 2025: National renovation plans must be submitted to the European Commission, with prior public involvement.
• 29 May 2026: Member states must transpose the directive, implement a system for renovation passports, and comply with the requirements and model of energy performance certificates.
• 2050: The entire building stock must be zero-emissions.

National Plans and Requirements Member states must develop national renovation plans (Articles 3-5) that include:

• Review of the national building stock: A detailed analysis of the current state of buildings.
• Roadmap: Clear objectives and progress indicators.
• Review of policies: Policy and regulatory measures to promote renovation.
• Minimum energy performance standards: Specific standards for non-residential buildings.

The directive provides exceptions for historic buildings, properties owned by the Armed Forces, places of worship, temporary buildings, and structures with limited use and an area of less than 50 sqm.

Specific Objectives and Deadlines The main objectives are divided into phases:

• 2028: All new public buildings must be zero-emission and equipped with photovoltaic systems.
• 2030: All new buildings must be zero-emission; a 16% reduction in energy consumption for residential buildings; renovation of 16% of the least efficient non-residential buildings.
• 2033: Renovation of 26% of existing least efficient non-residential buildings.
• 2040: Elimination of gas boilers.
• 2050: All buildings must achieve the zero-emissions standard.

Technological Implementation and Sustainable Mobility The directive promotes the use of renewable technologies and sustainable mobility:

• Photovoltaic systems: Installation on all new public and non-residential buildings over 250 sqm by 2026, and on all new residential buildings by 2029.
• Sustainable mobility: Non-residential buildings with more than 5 parking spaces must have charging points for electric vehicles and bicycle stations.
• Energy passport: A renovation passport system must be introduced by 29 May 2026 to monitor and plan energy efficiency interventions.

Focus and Deadlines Summarizing the main deadlines:

• 31 December 2025: Submission of national renovation plans to the European Commission.
• 29 May 2026: Transposition of the directive, introduction of renovation passports, and compliance with the energy performance certificate model.
• 2026: Installation of photovoltaic systems on new public and non-residential buildings over 250 sqm, and charging points for electric vehicles in non-residential car parks with more than 5 parking spaces.
• 2027: Installation of photovoltaic systems on all non-residential buildings over 500 sqm.
• 2028: New public buildings must be zero-emission.
• 2030: 16% reduction in energy consumption of residential buildings and renovation of 16% of the least efficient non-residential buildings.
• 2033: Renovation of 26% of the least efficient non-residential buildings.
• 2035: 20-22% reduction in consumption for the residential stock.
• 2040: Elimination of gas boilers.
• 2050: Zero-emissions standard for the entire existing building stock.