The EU's revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is reshaping energy requirements for commercial buildings. Here's what Irish property owners need to know.
Last updated: March 2026 · 8 min read
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the main EU legislation governing the energy performance of buildings. The revised version — commonly called the EPBD recast — was formally adopted in April 2024 and represents the most significant tightening of building energy regulations in a generation.
For commercial property owners in Ireland, this directive will fundamentally change the relationship between energy performance and property value. While Ireland still needs to transpose the directive into national law (member states have until 2026-2027 for most provisions), the direction is clear and the smart move is to start preparing now.
This is the biggest change. For the first time, the EU is introducing minimum energy performance standards for existing commercial buildings. The worst-performing non-residential buildings (those rated in the lowest 16% of the national stock) will need to be improved to meet minimum standards by 2030, with further tightening by 2033.
In practical terms, this means that if your commercial building has a very poor BER rating, you may be legally required to improve its energy performance within the next few years. The exact thresholds for Ireland will depend on how the government transposes the directive, but buildings rated F or G are likely to be affected first.
From 2030, all new commercial buildings must meet a zero-emission building (ZEB) standard. This goes beyond the current NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) requirements and effectively means new commercial buildings will need to be extremely energy-efficient with on-site or district renewable energy supply and no direct fossil fuel emissions from heating.
The directive introduces the concept of building renovation passports — digital documents that provide a tailored roadmap for renovating a building to zero-emission status by 2050. While the passport concept is still being developed, it represents a shift from the current BER model (which is a snapshot) to a forward-looking planning tool.
The EPBD recast requires member states to upgrade their energy performance certificate systems. This could mean changes to how commercial BER certificates are calculated, what information they contain, and how frequently they need to be updated. The directive also calls for a common EU template for energy performance certificates, though individual countries retain some flexibility in implementation.
The immediate impact depends on where your building sits on the energy performance spectrum. If your building has a good BER rating (A or B), you're well-positioned for the upcoming changes. Your building likely already meets or exceeds the standards that will be required.
If your building has a mid-range rating (C or D), you should start thinking about energy upgrades that could improve your rating. The cost of improvements will likely increase as demand grows closer to the regulatory deadlines. Acting now gives you more choices and better pricing.
If your building has a poor rating (E, F, or G), you should take action promptly. These buildings will be the first to face mandatory improvement requirements. Getting a current BER assessment is the first step to understanding what improvements are needed and what they'll cost.
The EPBD recast is already influencing commercial property values across Europe. Buildings with poor energy ratings are becoming harder to sell or lease, while energy-efficient buildings command premium rents and higher sale prices. This trend will only accelerate as minimum performance standards take effect.
Regardless of where your building sits on the energy scale, there are practical steps you can take now to prepare. Start by getting a current BER assessment if you don't have one, or get a new one if your last assessment is more than a few years old and you've made improvements. Review your advisory report and identify the most cost-effective improvements. Consider commissioning a more detailed energy audit to understand your building's energy consumption patterns. Develop a phased improvement plan that moves your building toward better energy performance over the next 3-5 years. Keep an eye on SEAI grants and incentive schemes that may help fund improvements.
A BER assessment is the first step to preparing for upcoming regulations. Get a quote today.
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