Policy measures addressing nearly zero-energy buildings in the small island state of Malta

Abstract

Operational energy consumption in buildings accounts for 40% of the total primary energy demand and 36% of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions across the European Union (EU) (European Parliament 2010) but it has been determined that there is a great potential for energy savings in this sector. Improving the energy performance of new and existing buildings is therefore of paramount importance for the EU to reach its long term 2050 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80%-95%, when compared to 1990 levels (European Commission)