Albania drafts landmark law to enhance building energy performance and promote sustainability

Albania’s draft law on the energy performance of buildings marks a significant step towards aligning with European Union climate goals and advancing sustainability in the energy and construction sectors. The law requires new and renovated buildings to meet strict energy performance standards, aiming for zero-emission or nearly zero-emission performance. Here are the key elements of the law:

1. Energy performance standards: Starting in 2026, all new buildings and renovations must comply with energy performance standards that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2027, all new public buildings must be emission-free, and by 2030, this will apply to all new buildings.
2. Use of renewable energy: New buildings will be required to incorporate renewable energy sources, including solar energy, cogeneration systems, heat pumps and district heating and cooling. These measures are intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and encourage sustainable building practices.
3. Energy efficiency: The legislation emphasizes energy efficiency improvements, which can lead to significant energy savings and reduced consumer costs, in addition to cutting emissions. It aims to make buildings more energy-efficient overall, benefiting both public and private sectors.
4. Electric vehicle infrastructure: New non-residential buildings and those undergoing significant renovations will need to include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations and spaces for bicycles. This is an effort to further reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
5. Indoor air quality: The law mandates the installation of indoor air quality monitoring devices in new and renovated buildings, promoting healthier environments for residents and workers.
6. Energy performance certificates: Public buildings will be required to display their energy performance certificates in a visible location, improving transparency and encouraging energy efficiency among the public.

Aims of the legislation

• Climate goals: The law is designed to help Albania meet its climate targets by reducing emissions from the building sector, which is one of the largest sources of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainability: By promoting renewable energy use and energy-efficient technologies, the law supports long-term sustainability in both the energy and construction sectors.
• EU alignment: Albania’s new regulations align with the European Union’s energy performance standards, setting the country on a path towards greener buildings and a more sustainable future.

The draft law is currently open for public consultation, and once enacted, it will significantly transform the energy landscape in Albania, contributing to the country’s climate resilience and sustainability goals.