Making buildings fit for cycling

Revising the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

In April 2024, ECF celebrated the European Parliament's formal adoption of the revised directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which establishes, for the first time, minimum bicycle parking standards across various categories of residential and non-residential buildings throughout Europe.
 
The groundbreaking legislation, adopted on 12 April 2024, represents significant progress in influencing people's modal choice and, hence, energy consumption - which ECF has long advocated for. The directive will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty in the EU and make everyday cycling easier for millions

 

Next steps

Member States now need to transpose the text into national law by 2026. ECF has published a policy paper to help member states navigate the at times ambiguous text.

 

Download our impact summary

Why cycling should have a place in the revisions:

  1. The bicycle is the most energy-efficient transport mode. An electric bicycle consumes at least five times less energy (per passenger-km) than an electric car
  2. A bicycle is also more space efficient than a car. Off-street bicycle parking as total space consumption per unit (ie the parking spot + access lanes) is up to 20 times lower compared to car parking. Providing more bike parking at the expense of car parking would help to keep increasing construction costs under control. The European Green Deal needs to go hand in hand with social balance.
  3. Consequently, bicycle parking per unit has a much lower carbon footprint compared to car parking. Less material resources are needed which has a positive impact on the overall lifecycle energy consumption of such buildings.

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Further resources

  • Download our ECF Position Paper for EPBD Trilogues
  • Download our suggested amendments to the European Commission's 2020 proposal for the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
  • Download our factsheet on national transpositions of the 2018 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revision.
  • Download our report comparing regulations for off-street bicycle and car parking in Europe
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