In drawing up an overview of existing energy regulations for new housing and identifying their distinguishing characteristics, a framework for categorising energy regulations was used that was introduced in (Beerepoot, M., 2002a) presenting four categories of energy regulations currently existing in European member states. The framework and the ideas behind these four categories are presented in figure 1.

Figure 2 presents the overview of energy regulations for new housing in five EU member states, based on the analysis in (Beerepoot, M., et al., 2002b). This overview shows that all types of energy regulations, varying from insulation requirements for separate building components to the energy performance calculation, were still in use on the moment of this part of the Build-On-RES research (2003).

As can be seen in figure 2, from the five member states that have been considered in this study, the "energy use calculation” exists in three member states as a method for complying with energy regulations: France, the Netherlands and England and Wales. The energy use calculation is also called the "energy performance calculation” and is the method that is foreseen by the EPBD to be introduced in all EU member states by 2006. In France, this method was introduced in 2001 as the only option for compliance. The energy use calculation is the only method for compliance with energy regulations in the Netherlands since 1996. In England and Wales, the energy use calculation, SAP, has been one of three alternative means of compliance since 1992. Until April 2002, an energy use calculation was obligatory in all cases, no specific requirement was imposed however. From April 2002, a SAP calculation is no longer mandatory in all cases, but must be used for the Carbon Index method.

Figure 2 Energy regulations for new housing in five EU member states (according to framework in (Beerepoot, M., 2002a))

Figure 3 summarizes the analysis of the extent to which RES techniques[20] are being rewarded in energy regulations for new housing in five member states. The overview shows that utilizing passive solar energy is (to some extent) rewarded in energy regulations in six of nine situations in five member states. Solar thermal systems are included in energy performance regulations in The Netherlands, and in the SAP calculation in England and Wales (although for hot water production only). The comprehensiveness of solar thermal systems is very different for each of the energy performance calculations used. For example, in The Dutch Energy Performance Method, the surface, orientation and tilt of collectors are considered in the calculation, in the English Standard Assessment Procedure calculation only considers the surface of the solar panel. Solar space heating systems are integrated in energy performance calculations in The Netherlands. The acknowledgement of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems is currently only included in the Dutch energy performance calculation. When applying photovoltaic panels, the electricity produced by photovoltaic (PV) energy systems is subtracted from the electricity use calculated for lighting, fans and auxiliary energy for the heating and hot water system. Geothermal heat pumps are considered in at least four of five member states (in France, The Netherlands, England & Wales and future regulations of Flanders). Techniques like wind power, hydropower or biomass on a small scale such as the building level are not considered in any of the energy performance regulations.

Figure 3 Overview of renewable energy rewarded in energy regulations in five member states (situation 2002 updated until 2003)

As can be seen in figure 4, the five considered Member States have few or no energy regulations for existing residential buildings (Cruchten, G. van, et al, 2003). Only some first steps have been taken in the field of energy requirements for the existing building stock, like recent initiatives in England and Wales and Germany. In the specific situation of major renovation the Belgium, Danish and the Dutch Building Code are applicable for existing dwellings. None of the five Member States have regulations that require the application of RES in existing buildings.

Figure 4 Energy regulations for existing housing in six EU member states (according to framework in (Beerepoot, M., 2002a))

Regarding financial instruments, renewable energy is mostly addressed by means of subsidy schemes. Three out of five member states have introduced a subsidy scheme for solar thermal systems: the Netherlands, Belgium and France. All the five member states have introduced a subsidy scheme for photovoltaic systems, in some member states this is a very recent development. Two of five member states, Belgium and the Netherlands, have introduced a subsidy scheme for heat pumps.

Regarding information policies, renewable energy is often not a main focus of communication activities. Publicity campaigns often cover the subject of energy savings in general. Sometimes brochures focusing on renewable energy have been developed.