Norm demolition talks should not dismantle what strengthens Finland

From the reader. In Finland, there is a lively discussion about easing regulation and so-called deregulation talks, the aim of which is to improve competitiveness and reduce the administrative burden on companies.

In this discussion, for example, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive for Buildings (EPBD) is often seen primarily as a regulation that increases costs, although the directive should also be viewed as an investment in the energy system, competitiveness and security of supply.

Buildings consume around 40 percent of energy in the EU, so the building stock is a key factor in the energy system. Construction and renovation solutions will affect energy consumption for decades to come.

An energy-efficient building stock is also a question of maintenance reliability. The less energy is consumed, the lower the dependence on imported energy and the better resistance to market disturbances.

The energy efficiency of buildings supports reliability of maintenance also because intelligent systems enable consumption flexibility. When heating, ventilation, charging and other energy use can be controlled using automation, consumption can be shifted to times when electricity is abundantly available or is cheaper.

This balances the load, reduces peak consumption and reduces the risk of disruption. Buildings become an active part of the energy system.

There is a lot of discussion about the charging infrastructure for electric cars. The charging network is often assumed to be built in the busiest areas on a market basis, but a functioning system also requires charging in residential buildings and workplaces, as cars are parked most of the time. Distributed charging equalizes consumption, which reduces the peak load of the electricity network and the need for investment.

EPBD has a key impact on investment certainty. The construction industry operates in long cycles and needs predictable regulation. The goals of the directive create a view of the future and encourage investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and automation.

Anticipatory regulation also supports the development of domestic expertise. If the regulation changes constantly, investments will be postponed and development will slow down. Therefore, persistence is key.

Regulatory simplification may be justified if it reduces the administrative burden. However, care must be taken not to weaken key control measures or long-term goals, because then the benefits of the directive will be lost.

The discussion about EPBD should take place on the right scale: it is not only about costs, but about how Finland invests in its energy system and secures its competitiveness and security of supply in the future.

Riikka Liedes

leading expert and responsibility manager, Electrical and telecommunication contractors STUL ry