Buildings account for 30% of energy consumption in Cyprus. This sector is expanding, which will certainly increase its energy consumption. Therefore, the reduction of energy consumption and the use of renewable sources in the building sector are important measures needed to reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance the security of energy supply. The Law on the Regulation of Energy Performance of Buildings, which harmonises the relevant European Directives into national law, has established a series of measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings, taking into account local climatic conditions, the climatic conditions of the building’s interiors, as well as the cost-benefit ratio in the life cycle of the building.
The main measures are:
- The setting of minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings and building units, buildings and building units undergoing major renovation and for building envelope elements that are retrofitted or replaced.
- Issue energy performance certificates (EPCs) for all new buildings and building units and for all buildings and building units that are rented or sold.
- Promoting near-zero energy buildings, with the aim that all new buildings constructed by 31 December 2020 will be near-zero energy buildings.
- The development of a long-term building renovation strategy.
- The introduction of regular inspections of heating and air conditioning systems.
- The establishment of a voluntary system for assessing the Intelligent Building Readiness Index.