New buildings in the EU will have to have zero carbon emissions by 2030

Kadri Simson, the European commissioner for energy, said buildings use 40% of Eurpoe's energy and create 36% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Picture: Francisco Seco/AFP/Getty

New buildings in the EU will have to have zero carbon emissions by 2030, according to a new proposal from the European Commission.

The EU's governing arm is also proposing that the least energy-efficient homes and business premises in the bloc be upgraded in the same time period.