Albania drafted a law on the energy performance of buildings including the obligation to meet zero-emission and nearly zero-emission standards and use solar energy.

Starting in 2026, all new and renovated buildings in Albania will need to comply with minimum energy performance requirements and use renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy issued the draft law for public consultation, saying it aims to achieve climate objectives and promote sustainability in the energy and construction sectors.

Improving energy efficiency in buildings will result in significant energy savings, reducing costs for consumers and reducing dependence on fossil resources, it added.

From 2027, all new buildings owned by public authorities must be emission-free, according to the draft. The same rule would apply from 2028 for all new public buildings and for all new buildings in 2030.

The legislation will align Albania’s framework with the European Union, the ministry said.

Investors will need to consider the use of renewable energy, cogeneration systems and heat pumps and the introduction of district heating and cooling

Starting in 2026, all new buildings would need to use solar energy. The draft law stipulates that investors must consider the use of renewable energy overall, cogeneration systems and heat pumps and the introduction of district heating and cooling.

Elements that are repaired or replaced must comply with minimum energy performance requirements as much as possible, the ministry added.

New non-residential buildings and those undergoing significant renovation should include infrastructure for charging points for electric vehicles and spaces for bicycles, the draft reads. Public institutions would be obligated to display the energy performance certificate in a visible place in their buildings.

The new standards would include the installation of indoor air quality monitoring devices in new and renovated buildings.