Under the Energy Performance of Building Directive, EU Member States are required to put in place minimum levels of energy performance for building envelope elements, such as windows, when they are retrofitted or replaced. While the recast EPBD has been in place for over five years and although EU institutions are reviewing the directive, a study commissioned by Glass for Europe to ECOFYS provides a clear picture of the minimum requirements for window replacement in the residential sector. The study shows that in most countries, minimum performance requirements do not drive the market towards energy-efficient products, as they often refer to sub-optimal choices or apply under very restrictive conditions only. Based on the findings of the study, Glass for Europe makes three recommendations, outlined in this article, for improving the EPBD and fixing the identified problems. The study can be downloaded from: www.glassforeurope.com/
