New obligations for the energy upgrade of existing buildings, stricter specifications for new buildings and specific deadlines for the installation of solar energy systems are proposed in the bill for the energy efficiency of buildings. The changes extend to rentals, with an energy certificate and when renewing a contract, to electric vehicle charging infrastructure and penalties, with a fivefold increase in the maximum administrative fine.
The bill, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on August 6, 2026, is proposed to replace the legislation of 2006 to 2020, incorporating the European Directive 2024/1275. The main change is the introduction of specific targets and timelines for the existing building stock, in parallel with the transition of new buildings to the zero-emission standard.
The settings will not all be applied at the same time. If the text is voted on without changes, some obligations will be linked to the construction, renovation or disposal of a property, while others will be activated gradually. Several technical details will be laid down by decrees and implementing measures.
Upgrade and without planned renovation
One of the most important changes is the introduction of minimum energy efficiency levels for existing non-residential buildings. Offices, shops and other buildings of this category will have to comply with limits to be determined by ministerial decree.
Based on the building stock of 1 January 2020, boundaries separating the worst-performing buildings will be determined. From 2030, compliance with the worst energy limit of 16% will be required and from 2033 with that of 26%.
The change means that owners of energy-intensive commercial buildings may need to proceed with interventions even without a planned major renovation. Percentages are not a requirement for equal savings for every building. The necessary work will depend on its performance and the compliance threshold.
Exemption possibilities are foreseen, including for serious difficulties or an unfavourable cost-benefit analysis. If the overall renovation is not cost-effective, at least individual cost-benefit measures will be required.
Targets for housing
For houses and apartments, the bill sets out a different approach. It projects a reduction in the average primary energy use of the total housing stock by at least 16% by 2030 and 20–22% by 2035, compared to 2020.
Not every owner is required to have the same percentage reduction or a universal obligation to renovate until 2030. The competent authority will determine the national path and the measures to achieve the objectives.
Priority is given to the most energy-intensive homes. At least 55% of the projected savings must come from renovations in the 43% of the worst-performing homes. The provision does not mean that this entire part of the reserve must be renovated by 2030.
At the same time, energy upgrade requirements remain when major renovations are carried out or elements of the shell are replaced. Their application is linked to technical, operational and economic feasibility.
New zero-emission buildings
In new construction, the change concerns the transition from near-zero energy consumption to zero emissions. The standard will apply from 1 January 2028 to new buildings owned by public bodies and from 1 January 2030 to all new buildings.
These buildings will not produce fossil fuel carbon emissions on-site and will comply with stricter energy limits. The allowable energy demand will be at least 10% lower than the corresponding limit applicable to nearly zero-consumption buildings on May 28, 2024.
The date of submission of the building permit application will be decisive. The bill exempts from this requirement applications submitted before the respective deadlines.
A new obligation is also the calculation of the climate footprint of the entire life cycle of the construction. It will start in 2028 for new buildings over 1,000 square meters and in 2030 for all new buildings, with exceptions provided for earlier permit applications. The results will be made public through the energy certificate.
Solar energy with deadlines
The bill introduces a detailed timetable for the installation of solar energy systems, as long as they are technically appropriate and economically and functionally feasible.
For new public and non-residential buildings over 250 square meters, the deadline is the end of 2026. In existing public buildings, the application is scaled according to size: over 2,000 square meters by the end of 2027, over 750 by the end of 2028 and over 250 by the end of 2030.
For existing non-residential buildings over 500 square meters, a deadline of the end of 2027 is foreseen, in the specified cases of major renovations or works requiring a building permit.
All new residential buildings are included in the timetable until the end of 2029, as are the new covered parking lots next to buildings. There is no corresponding universal obligation for all existing houses.
Certificate and on lease renewal
In the real estate market, the cases of energy certification are expanding. In addition to construction, sale and new lease, major renovations and renewal of the rental agreement are included.
Reissue will not be required when a valid certificate already exists. The maximum validity period remains ten years, while a digital version and registration in a national database are foreseen.
The ads will indicate the index and the energy efficiency category. The scale will extend from A to H, with A corresponding to zero-emission buildings. Low ranking does not, in itself, constitute a prohibition on selling or renting.
More charging infrastructure
Electrification requirements are also being strengthened. In new non-residential buildings and major renovations with more than five parking spaces, at least one charger is provided for every five spaces. In offices, the ratio is made one to two.
Pre-wiring and bicycle location requirements are added. In new residential buildings with more than three parking spaces, at least one charger will be required, with individual conditions and exceptions.
For autonomous fossil fuel boilers, replacement policies are envisaged with the aim of completely eliminating them by 2040. The provision does not imply the immediate dismantling of existing facilities with the enactment of the law.
Support and increased sanctions
The framework includes financial and technical support, with priority given to vulnerable households. A one-stop shop and a voluntary "renovation course" are provided, with individualized planning of interventions.
Safeguards for tenants are included, without specifying specific grant amounts or a single ceiling on rent increases. These will be specified in subsequent measures.
The maximum administrative fine is increased from €50,000 to €250,000, depending on the nature and gravity of the violation, with the right to representation and appeal. Existing regulatory acts will be maintained until they are amended, replaced or repealed, while the new decrees will specify critical implementation modalities.
