Italy will face a 270 billion euro bill as the European Union gives the final green light for the green homes directive. Over 7.6 million properties in Italy fall into the worst energy classes (F and G), meaning they will need to be redeveloped with estimated investments ranging from 20,000 to 55,000 euros per property. Unimpresa’s President, Giovanna Ferrara, criticizes the EU for not considering overall interests and points out that countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal will struggle to bear the high costs.
The directive aims to reduce energy consumption in homes, public buildings, and new constructions. Member states have to achieve a 16% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 and a 22% reduction by 2035. New residential buildings must be carbon neutral from 2030 onwards. The estimated average expense per property for complying with these regulations is around 35,000 euros, with a total expenditure of approximately 266.7 billion euros over the next 20 years.
The European “green homes” directive establishes a common methodology for calculating energy performance and requires member states to define how they will achieve energy reduction targets. Some properties, such as listed buildings, historic properties, and holiday homes, are excluded from the interventions. While the directive does not outline specific sanctions for non-compliance, individual governments can decide on appropriate measures, including potential loss of property value for properties that do not adhere to the regulations.
