The EU Commission has released four guidance documents to help Member States transpose and implement revised directives on renewable energy (RED) and energy efficiency (EED) into national law. 

These documents aim to clarify complex legislative elements and provide a unified approach for national adaptation. They focus on areas needing accelerated progress: heating and cooling, energy system integration and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, regarding the revised RED and specific aspects of the revised EED related to heating and cooling.

Of particular relevance to the building sector is the area concerning heating and cooling within the RED, specifically Article 15a, which outlines key requirements: 

• Member States (MS) must set a national target for renewable energy in buildings, aiming for at least 49% by 2030. Waste heat and cold can count towards this target up to 20%. 

•  MS must also enhance building codes to increase on-site or nearby renewable energy use and apply these rules to new and majorly renovated buildings. 

• Public buildings should lead by example, and cooperation with local authorities and renewable energy communities is encouraged. 

• MS should promote renewable heating and cooling systems and use various tools and incentives to support this transition.