Kosovo’s adoption of Law Nr. 08/L-242 is a progressive step toward energy efficiency and decarbonization in the building sector. However, to fully align with the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape, Kosovo must undertake additional reforms.
A Step Forward with Room for Improvement
🏢⚡ Kosovo has taken a significant step in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the building sector with the enactment of Law Nr. 08/L-242 on the Energy Performance of Buildings. This legislation aims to bring Kosovo closer to European standards by improving the energy performance of its building stock, aligning with Directive 2010/31/EU and Directive 2018/844. While this law introduces key measures to optimize energy use in buildings, further refinements are necessary to align fully with the latest EU Directive 2024/1275 on the Energy Performance of Buildings.
Key Features of the New Law
The new legislation introduces a set of rules, procedures, and measures to enhance energy performance in buildings, considering external and local climatic conditions. Some of the most important provisions include:
✅ Minimum Energy Performance Standards: The law sets minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings and for existing buildings undergoing major renovations.
✅ Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): It mandates the issuance of Energy Performance Certificates to provide information on a building’s energy efficiency and ensure transparency in the real estate market.
✅ Regulations on Building Components: The law establishes energy efficiency requirements for building elements that impact overall energy performance. ✅
Alignment with EU Standards: Kosovo’s law reflects elements of Directive 2010/31/EU and Directive 2018/844, reinforcing best practices in energy efficiency policies.
While this law marks an important milestone, its alignment with the most recent EU Directive 2024/1275 remains incomplete, highlighting several areas for further improvement.
Gaps and Areas for Enhancement
Although the new law is a positive step, several gaps must be addressed to fully comply with the latest European Union requirements:
🔹 Comprehensive Methodology for Energy Performance Calculation
- Kosovo’s law lacks a detailed comparative methodology for calculating cost-optimal energy performance requirements. The EU directive mandates a precise methodology to determine the most efficient energy performance levels considering economic feasibility.
🔹 Clear Zero-Emission Building Thresholds
- The law does not clearly define specific thresholds for energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for zero-emission buildings. The EU has established clear energy efficiency and decarbonization targets, which Kosovo must incorporate.
🔹 Detailed Framework for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- While the law mandates EPCs, it lacks a detailed classification system and quality assurance framework comparable to EU standards.
- The latest EU directive introduces a standardized EPC rating system, which Kosovo should adopt to enhance transparency and reliability.
🔹 Stronger Financial Incentives and Support Mechanisms
- The current law mentions financial incentives but lacks detailed provisions for comprehensive financial support programs.
- The EU directive emphasizes subsidies, grants, and tax incentives, particularly targeting vulnerable households and encouraging deep renovations.
- Kosovo must strengthen its financial and technical assistance framework to support homeowners and businesses in implementing energy efficiency improvements.
🔹 Long-Term Renovation Strategy for Buildings
- Although the law includes renovation provisions, it lacks a comprehensive long-term strategy that aligns with EU goals for staged deep renovations.
- The EU promotes Renovation Passports, which guide homeowners through multi-step renovation processes—Kosovo should consider incorporating a similar approach.
🔹 Robust Data Collection and Reporting Mechanisms
- The law needs more rigorous data collection and reporting measures to ensure compliance, track progress, and inform future policy decisions.
- The EU directive requires transparent monitoring and reporting, which Kosovo must integrate into its regulatory framework.
The Path Forward: Strengthening Kosovo’s Energy Performance Framework
Kosovo’s adoption of Law Nr. 08/L-242 is a progressive step toward energy efficiency and decarbonization in the building sector. However, to fully align with the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape, Kosovo must undertake additional reforms:
🔸 Adopt a cost-optimal methodology for defining energy performance standards.
🔸 Set clear energy and emissions thresholds for zero-emission buildings.
🔸 Develop a structured and standardized Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system.
🔸 Introduce stronger financial incentives and technical support for energy-efficient renovations.
🔸 Establish a long-term renovation strategy that aligns with the EU’s Renovation Wave goals.
🔸 Enhance data transparency and reporting requirements.
By addressing these gaps, Kosovo can ensure that its energy efficiency policies remain competitive and effective, fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and EU-compliant built environment. As energy efficiency becomes a central pillar of climate action and economic development, these improvements will play a vital role in reducing energy costs, cutting emissions, and improving living standards across Kosovo. 🌱
To access the full text of the laws, please follow the links below.
https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=92131
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401275