Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings establishes minimum energy performance requirements for buildings, setting limits on the total energy consumption of buildings. To better understand these limits, energy performance classes from A to H are used, with class A buildings being the most energy-efficient (ie with the lowest energy consumption) and class H buildings being the least efficient. Compliance with the minimum energy performance requirements for buildings is verified with the energy performance certificate.
Buildings for which a building permit has been issued as of 1 January 2020 must be nearly zero-energy buildings, meaning they must achieve energy efficiency class A. Buildings undergoing major renovations must achieve at least energy class C after the renovation.
In spring 2024, the recast Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings was adopted, setting requirements for both new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations. The recast Directive aims to achieve a climate-neutral building stock across the European Union, including Estonia. In connection with the transposition of the Directive, the Construction and Living Environment Department of the Ministry of Climate invites stakeholders to discuss and provide their input.
In addition to energy efficiency, it is also important to reduce the environmental impacts of the construction sector that extend beyond the life cycle of the building. These impacts arise from the extraction, processing and production of materials necessary for constructing the building as well as from the construction, use, demolition and decommissioning of the building. In 2024, the Ministry of Climate initiated the preparation of a draft carbon footprint calculation, which will require the carbon footprint of new buildings with a net enclosed area of more than 1,000 m2 to be calculated starting from 1 July 2025.
Last updated: 30.07.2025
