To substantially reduce heat loss in buildings, the Action Plan plans to extend the scope of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to cover small buildings, to develop minimum performance standards applicable to new and renovated buildings and to promote so-called "passive" houses.

However, to reap the full potential in the buildings sector, the Commission will propose expanding the scope of the Directive to include the large stock of smaller buildings, including by lowering significantly the current threshold from 1000 m ² for minimum performance requirements for major renovations to include a majority of existing buildings.

The Commission will also examine possible ways to address the renovation of smaller buildings, further non-energy-related environmental performance requirements, the environmental labelling of construction materials and the implementation of the thematic strategy on the prevention and recycling of waste.

8. Awaits the results of the Court of Auditors' audit of the acquisition and renovation procedures for all buildings shared by the CoR and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), including the Belliard I and II buildings; believes there should also be an audit of the Montoyer renovation; notes that at the time Parliament recommended purchase; points to the fact that renting buildings would significantly reduce the risks involved for small institutions and that this solution should be considered as a serious alternative for future building projects; approves the fact that, as a result of the policy on sensitive functions, t ...[+++]he head of the infrastructure unit has changed position and a new recruitment process for this post is ongoing;

8. Awaits the results of the Court of Auditors' audit of the acquisition and renovation procedures for all buildings shared by the CoR and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), including the Belliard I and II buildings; believes there should also be an audit of the Montoyer renovation; notes that at the time Parliament recommended purchase; points to the fact that renting buildings would significantly reduce the risks involved for small institutions and that this solution should be considered as a serious alternative for future building projects; approves the fact that, as a result of the policy on sensitive functions, t ...[+++]he head of the infrastructure unit has changed position and a new recruitment process for this post is ongoing;

As indicated in Directive 2002/91, the Commission, assisted by the Committee established by the Directive, will examine possible ways to address the renovation of smaller buildings and general incentives for energy efficiency.