The national implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has reached a crucial stage. Finland must make full use of the national flexibility allowed under the Directive. Implementation should not impose unreasonable additional obligations or costs on residents or property owners. Smart electrical building technologies and their energy efficiency solutions must be clearly included among the available measures.

Finland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on clean, emissions-free grid electricity and efficient district heating. Energy performance coefficients must be set in a way that reflects the strengths of the Finnish energy system and enables the objectives of the Directive to be met without unnecessary investments or additional costs.

“The energy efficiency of buildings must be improved in a sensible and cost-effective way. In the national implementation of the EPBD, regulations that limit technology-neutral solutions or increase the costs of construction and renovation must be avoided. Finland’s strengths — such as clean electricity, a well-functioning power grid and energy-efficient electrical solutions — must be recognised and fully utilised,” says Riikka Liedes, Chief Specialist at STUL.

Electrical building technology solutions enable improvements in energy efficiency and help curb energy costs in both new construction and renovation projects. These solutions are used to control and regulate indoor conditions, lighting and solar heat gains as needed, and to connect buildings to a flexible electricity and heating system.