The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2002/91/EC EPBD), first published in 2002, requires all EU countries to enhance their building regulations and to introduce energy certification schemes for buildings. All countries were also required to set up inspection schemes for boilers and air-conditioners.

 

With the adoption of the recast EPBD in 2010 (Directive 2010/31/EU), EU Member States faced new challenges such as a move towards near-zero energy buildings and the application of a cost-optimal methodology for setting minimum requirements for both the building envelope and the technical systems.

 

The European Standards Institute CEN was commissioned by the EU to develop a series of standards covering a range of technical aspects critical to the implementation of the directive. These include specifications for the performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systems, calculation methods for energy requirements of ventilation and cooling systems as well as guidelines for inspection of ventilation and air conditioning systems.