Concerted Action.

The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the key European Community legal instrument for achieving a uniform approach to efficient energy use in the building sector. Its main aim is the cost-effective improvement of overall energy efficiency in residential and non-residential buildings. In July 2010, a revised version of the Directive (EPBD II) came into force. The aims of the new version include increasing energy efficiency still further and strengthening the Energy Performance Certificate scheme.

To support implementation of the Directive and encourage exchange of information between EU Member States, the European Commission has initiated the joint European "Concerted Action" project as part of the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme (IEE). The first Concerted Action (CA I) ran from 2005 to 2007. Due to delays in implementing the Directive (EPBD I) in some Member States, the project was extended to 2010. With the revision of EPBD (EPBD II) and the consequent new requirements applying to Member States, it was decided to create a 3rd phase of the EU project running until 2014. dena was Germany's coordinator until 2010 and is also actively involved in the 3rd phase of the project. 

The 3rd phase of the Concerted Action project (CA III), involves discussion of the seven core themes of the new Directive (EPBD II) and evaluation of Member State experience:

1. Energy Performance Certificates.
2. Inspection of heating and air-conditioning systems.
3. Training requirements for experts and inspectors.
4. Economic requirements for overall energy efficiency. 
5. Very low energy housing.
6. Compliance and monitoring of requirements for overall energy efficiency and Energy Performance Certificates / independent monitoring systems.
7. Effectiveness of support initiatives.

The aim of the Concerted Action is harmonised, uniform implementation to increase the effectiveness of the Directive and reduce implementation costs.