Energy performance of buildings—EPBD in Greece

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 45; pp. 469 - 477
• Main Authors: Dascalaki, E.G., Balaras, C.A., Gaglia, A.G., Droutsa, K.G., Kontoyiannidis, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building certificates; Building permits; Buildings; computer software; Construction industry; Energy; Energy economics; Energy efficiency; Energy performance; Energy policy; Environmental law; EPBD; EU directives; European law; Exact sciences and technology; experimental design; experts; General, economic and professional studies; Greece; guidelines; Legislation, regulations for energy use; Regulation; Studies; Greece; Europe; Building certificates; EPBD; Energy performance; Buildings; Legislation; Energy savings; Implementation; Transposition; Energy conservation; Experience feedback; European directive; Regulation; Acquired experience; Certificate
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.02.058

Transposition of the European Directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) in Greece was enacted in 2008 by a national law. A follow-up regulation on the energy performance in the building sector—KENAK released in 2010, outlines the overall approach in accordance to European standards and EPBD mandates. All necessary technical specifications and detailed information for the implementation of KENAK are included in four new technical guidelines prepared in 2010, which are supported by an official national software. Issues related to the energy experts are handled by presidential decrees published in 2010; over 5400 temporary energy inspectors are already in place, while permanent accreditation is in progress. Energy performance design study of new buildings for obtaining a building permit is in place since October 2010 and issuing energy performance certificates as of January 2011. This paper presents an overview of the development and current EPBD stage of implementation in Greece, along with a first assessment of the lessons learned and experiences gained.
► EPBD transposition in Greece is a reality. ► KENAK is the main legislative instrument for improving building energy efficiency in Greece. ► Four new technical guidelines have been published to support KENAK. ► A national software was also prepared to support implementation of KENAK. ► Temporary accreditation of 5300 energy inspectors. ► Over 20,000 energy performance certificates issued in the first five months of implementation.