Filenews 17 July 2025 - by Vasos Vassiliou
The goal discussed by the EU for the conversion of all buildings into zero-emission buildings by 2050 seems like an elusive dream for Cyprus, since, as the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, Charalambos Theopemptou, indicates, in order for this to happen, 16,000 buildings must be upgraded in terms of energy per year! And in fact, this must start this year.
Referring to the next phase of the energy upgrade of buildings, Mr. Theopemptou refers to Directive 2024/1275, which also includes the following:
– All new buildings from 2030 onwards should be zero-emission. The calculation of emissions must also take into account the life cycle of the materials even when the building is demolished.
All buildings used or owned by public authorities must be converted into zero-emission buildings by 2028.
-Taking measures in order to reduce household bills.
-By 2030, all public and non-residential buildings must, where possible, install photovoltaics.
– Countries (member states) must take measures so that by 2040 there are no central heating systems operating with oil or gas.
-From 2025 onwards, the subsidy of heating systems will be prohibited, as is now the case, for example, with heating oil in mountainous areas.
Citing Directive 87/2003, Mr. Theopemptou says that the obligation of those who import motor and heating fuels (excluding agricultural oil) has been added to it, according to which from 2026 they will pay emission allowances but will be able to pass on the costs to consumers in 2027.
For Cyprus, it is estimated that this increase will be of the order of 10 to 12 cents per liter in gasoline and diesel.
Basically, Mr. Theopemptou explains, the increase comes to punish those who did not upgrade their home/building in terms of energy and those countries that did not promote public transport, which of course include Cyprus.
However, to protect vulnerable groups, the EU has set up the Social Climate Fund which returns money to Member States to implement projects to support vulnerable groups.
It is estimated that €174 million will be allocated for Cyprus over the next 5 years, with €32 million coming from its own resources.
Based on the information sent to the Environment Committee, the measures that the government intends to take with the above funds focus on the following:
(a) Extension of existing energy upgrade plans, which are specifically tailored to the needs of energy-poor citizens.
(b) Public transport projects aimed at offering a flexible, sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport service.
(c) Plans or extensions of projects for access to affordable, energy-efficient and social housing.
(d) Plans for direct income support for energy and transport poor groups of the population.
Energy upgrades that we did not make.
Mr. Theopemptou reminds that the first pollutant trading system is well known today in Cyprus, since 20 years after the first decisions, Cyprus and after a conscious decision taken, preferred to pay rather than take measures and we ended up with EAC paying about €250 million per year for the right to emit pollutants.
As he says, private companies such as the cement plant and brick factories managed to take measures not to pay royalties.
Finally, Mr. Theopemptou emphasizes that we must act quickly to help people cope with the increases that are coming and that will increase in the future!
