Poland and Austria have been accused of failing to be in full compliance with the European Union’s energy standards. The European Commission is proposing that the Court of Justice imposes a daily penalty of €39,592.80 on Austria and €96,720 on Poland for every day the countries are not in compliance.
The proposed penalties are based on the duration and gravity of the infringement, according to the EC. However, the final decision will be left up to the court. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires EU countries to establish and maintain minimum energy performance requirements in all buildings. Countries are also responsible for the upkeep of buildings’ energy certification and must conduct regular inspections of their heating and air-conditioning systems. EU countries must make sure that all new buildings are zero-energy buildings by 2021. Countries were required to implement the new energy standards by July 9, 2012.
