Implementation of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings

In 2006, Hungary passed Decree No. 7/2006. (V. 24.) TNM on the establishment of energy characteristics of buildings, thereby transposing portions of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings. In particular, this decree coversthe first three of the five main areas contained in the directive. The decree: - elaborated a national methodology for calculating the integrated energy efficiency of buildings; - established minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of new buildings with a surface area of over 1000m2; - established minimum requirements for large existing buildings (with a surface area of more than 1000 m2) regarding their energy performance in case they are subject to major renovation. Requirements cover both specific U-values for different building elements, whole building heating load requirements, and gross energy requirements for heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water and - except for residential buidlings - artificial lighting. The rationality of using cogeneration must also be verified. The same requirements apply to new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation, which is defined based on the building value: the cost of the renovation of the building envelope and/or mechanical systems must exceed 25% of the buildings value. Proof of compliance with the requirement is made in two stages, first when requesting a building permit, and second after building/renovation completion. The methodology included in the annex to the decree is to be applied, as of 1 September 2006, among the supporting technical calculations included in the licensing design documentation of the building (earlier the calculation had to be made in accordance with standard No. MSZ-04-140/2:1992). The calculation is checked during the licensing procedure. Hungary has officially requested a temporary derogation of three years for performing the other two tasks, that is, for introducing the certification process and for starting the assessment of furnaces, boilers and air-conditioning installations.