Industry Associations Call on European Commission to Recognise Green Contracts in ZEB Guidance

21 May 2025 | News

A coalition of European industry associations, including MARCOGAZ, has issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to explicitly include Green Contracts in the forthcoming guidance for the implementation of Article 11 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) – Directive (EU) 2024/1275.

This initiative brings together stakeholders across the energy and building value chains – from distribution network operators to manufacturers of heating appliances – to promote greater recognition of renewable gases, such as biomethane, in achieving the EU’s decarbonisation objectives.

The signatories emphasise that Green Contracts, which enable consumers to opt for renewable energy sources like biomethane through market-based instruments (e.g. Guarantees of Origin), are essential for delivering Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs). These contracts provide a reliable framework to verify the consumption of renewable gas in buildings and are already being deployed in several Member States.

“Green Contracts are emerging as a practical, market-driven tool that supports consumers, businesses, and governments alike in meeting their sustainability goals,” the statement reads. “Recognising them in EPBD guidance would give Member States the clarity and flexibility they need to integrate renewable gases effectively into national ZEB strategies.”

The joint statement highlights the value of Green Contracts in expanding the range of technical solutions available for decarbonising buildings, particularly in diverse or hard-to-electrify contexts. It also reinforces their compatibility with other renewable energy sources and technologies, such as hybrid heat pumps, fuel cells, and combined heat and power systems (CHPs).

While the EPBD already allows energy from renewable sources generated on-site or nearby to count toward ZEB compliance, the inclusion of Green Contracts in the guidance would help align implementation with broader EU legal frameworks, such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the EU Emission Trading System (ETS).

This joint appeal follows a growing trend of collaboration among European energy associations calling for stronger, more inclusive policy frameworks to scale up renewable energy use. By advocating for the integration of Green Contracts into EPBD guidance, the signatories are reinforcing their commitment to a cost-efficient and just energy transition.