EU must develop ambitious plans for retrofitting buildings to hit energy targets

With just six months remaining until they are required to deliver long-term strategies on renovation, EU Member States are being urged to develop ambitious plans for retrofitting their buildings. Under the Energy Efficiency Directive, EU Member States must establish “a long-term strategy for mobilising investment in the renovation of the national stock of residential and commercial buildings, both public and private” from 30 April 2014. The World Green Building Council’s Europe Regional Network (of which the UK Green Building Council is a member) and the Renovate Europe Campaign are calling on EU nations to seize the opportunity by publishing strategies that will help ensure investment in jobs and growth, and help deliver lower energy bills for struggling European citizens.

James Drinkwater, Senior Policy Advisor of the Europe Regional Network, said: “Governments around Europe cannot afford to miss the chance to improve their economies and the lives of those who live, learn and work in Europe’s buildings. They must seize the opportunity.”

Member States are being urged to:

• Develop ambitious strategies supported by clear milestone aims – essential if the EU is to meet its long-term energy and climate goals.
• Integrate societal benefits into national strategies – which have the potential to create up to two million jobs, reduce energy bills and CO2 emissions, and increase comfort and well-being.
• Build lasting partnerships with industry, academia, financial institutions, NGOs and other actors – including inter-country dialogue – to help the EU to progress faster.

Green Building Councils are not-for-profit, member-based organisations that are driving the transformation of buildings, communities and users’ behaviour towards sustainability. Renovate Europe is a political communications campaign that was launched by industry leaders in 2011. It has 24 partner companies and associations drawn from many sections of the construction value chain and its headline ambition is to reduce the energy demand of the EU building stock by 80% by 2050 as compared to 2005 levels.

More information on the Campaign and its actions can be found here.