Case Green, EU (€60,000 per family): what might change

The debate on green homes has resumed after negotiators from the European Parliament and the EU Council met, mediated by the European Commission (called a "trilogue" in technical jargon), to reach agreement on a directive on energy efficiency in construction. On the agenda is the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Epbd), which in turn is part of the Fit to 55 package presented by the Commission. Italy, however, is one of the most skeptical of the targets. According to Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratina, the European goal of reaching zero emissions for existing buildings by 2050 is currently not achievable in Italy.

The Parliament's proposal

it is envisaged that residential buildings should reach class E by 2030 and class D by 2033. The text, supported by the European Council, stipulates that only new residential buildings should be zero-emission by 2030. For existing residential buildings, the deadline for meeting the target is 2050.

The Minister said: 'We have a special fund with 31 million buildings, of which 21 million are below grade D. This differs from the foundation of other European countries in terms of historical, geographical and enshrined notions of the home as a refuge for Italian families. Determining the proportion of real estate exempted due to economic viability is a necessary and unavoidable step, but interim goals, especially for existing residential buildings, are currently unattainable for our country.

There is also a discussion on energy performance certificates, which Parliament believes should have the same standards in all member states, as well as foreseen sanctions for member states that do not comply. Fratin emphasizes that realistic, concrete and implementable steps need to be identified. He says: We don't want there to be an advantage or punishment for member countries because of differences in grades or grades. We need homogeneous parameters for initial real estate valuation. That is why I have commissioned a panel of experts to deepen this topic and provide a clear picture on this issue.