Policy Paper MEPS: Minimum efficiency standards for existing buildings

The energy refurbishment rate of buildings has long been underperforming. As a result, heating demands in the buildings sector are not falling as quickly as they could and are thus making it more difficult to achieve the climate targets set for 2030 and 2045.

The introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for existing buildings is considered an important element in increasing the energy renovation rate. The European Commission is further addressing this issue with its proposal to amend the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which introduced MEPS in Europe in December 2021.

Though the concrete configuration of MEPS in Germany is yet to be defined, it is important that MEPS complement existing policy instruments where potential for greenhouse gas savings is currently particularly high. Even after the introduction of MEPS, existing regulations and funding programmes will still be necessary to ensure the success of the energy transition in the buildings sector. The goal is to prioritise buildings with high CO₂ emissions. In particular, funding can be tailored specifically to MEPS.

Our approach

For the policy paper on behalf of Repräsentanz Transparente Gebäudehülle, our team evaluated existing studies and expert opinions on the topic. The paper provides a compact overview with answers and recommendations on the implementation of MEPS in Germany.

Links and downloads

The study is available for download from our client:

To the study (PDF in German)

Project team: Dominik Rau, Paurnima Kulkarni, Noha Saad, Nils Thamling

Last update: 20.01.2023