In December 2021 the European Commission published its proposal for revising the most important piece of EU legislation dealing with building performance – the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). 

The EPBD recast proposal echoes recent EU efforts for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The proposal emphasises different but crucial components for reaching these targets, such as the need for higher building renovation rates, resilient and accessible buildings stock, improved air quality, and innovative financing for building renovation.

All of these suggest very positive expectations from the EPBD recast when it comes to the uptake of on-bill schemes in the EU. However, there is still lots of room for improving and strengthening the support the new EPBD can provide to on-bill schemes. Given the proximity of EU 2030 climate targets, as well as the growing importance of reducing the EU’s energy dependence, the EPBD recast is a chance that should not be missed.

By focusing on several important results of the RenOnBill project, this paper analyses and explains how the proposed EPBD recast can support the uptake of on-bill schemes in the EU. In addition, the paper explains potential adjustments to the proposed EPBD recast that may support on-bill schemes even further and speed up their conversion to a powerful tool for fighting climate change and reaching the EU climate goals.