Energy efficiency
EU countries urged to build on Renovation Wave to fix failing efficiency targets
Twenty-five of the EU's 27 member countries have been told to boost provisions for building renovation in their national energy and climate plans in order to meet the bloc's elusive efficiency targets.
EU launches ‘renovation wave’ for greener, more stylish buildings
The European Commission launched a renovation wave and a “new European Bauhaus” on Wednesday (14 October), aiming to rally popular support behind plans to cut emissions from buildings and reduce energy bills.
IEA outlines global path to net-zero emissions by 2050
For the first time, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has set out what would need to happen this decade to reach net zero emissions globally by 2050. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
How data can unlock Europe’s renovation revolution
By starting local and scaling up, data can be the greatest ally of Europe's upcoming renovation wave, writes Cristina Gamboda.
Efficiency First must tackle implementation issues to be effective
Efficiency First needs to be effectively applied across the EU in order to help meet climate goals, writes Zsuzsanna Pató and Jan Rosenow.
Energy performance in buildings is key to meeting 2030 emissions target
Ursula von der Leyen and Frans Timmermans have pledged to kick-start a Renovation Wave across Europe. This is a management challenge with three aspects that have to be met, write building industry CEOs.
Europe’s new climate plan heralds energy ‘transformation’
Meeting the EU’s proposed new climate targets for 2030 will require a “transformation” of the bloc’s energy system, with a renewed focus on renewables and further efforts to cut fossil fuels in buildings, transport and industry, the European Commission has said.
Finnish industries launch ‘game-changing’ bid to go green, digital
A consortium of twelve Finnish corporations calling themselves the "game-changers" have announced a new billion-euro offensive to build new digital infrastructure, saying the digital transition will be key to achieve green objectives after the COVID-19 crisis.OpinionPromoted content
Sustainable mobility for a Green Restart
The opportunity is here: to accelerate towards carbon neutrality and mark this moment as a historical turning point. The solutions are ready and proven. Now, it all comes down to the scale and speed of implementation.
Ericsson: 5G could ‘dramatically increase’ network energy consumption
It is the industry’s responsibility to roll-out the fifth generation (5G) of wireless communication networks without increasing energy consumption, Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson writes in a report outlining how this can be done. “Energy consumption is set to increase dramatically...
EU unveils blueprint for a more efficient energy system
The European Commission on Wednesday (8 July) unveiled its “energy system integration strategy” which aims to link different energy carriers, infrastructure and consumption sectors together in order to boost renewables and reduce carbon emissions.
Why national building renovation plans are key for the recovery
Renovating a country’s buildings and homes represents a massive opportunity for sustainable economic recovery, health, well-being, and CO2 reduction, writes Oliver Rapf.
LEAK: ‘Efficiency first’ is top priority of draft EU energy strategy
Efficiency must be at the core of Europe’s energy policy, the European Commission says in a draft policy document outlining its vision of a more agile, low-carbon energy system powered chiefly by renewable electricity.
Housing’s role in Europe’s green transition
What investment could be wiser than one that protects the most vulnerable and contributes to climate change mitigation by decreasing our energy consumption? The Just Transition Fund must recognise housing as a cornerstone of the green transition, argue two leading MEPs and civil society leaders.
EU grapples with ‘regressive’ climate laws
Avoiding another “yellow vest” movement will be crucial for the success of the energy transition as Europe moves forward with a new wave of policies aimed at cutting emissions down to net zero by 2050, policymakers say.
Towards a truly green vision for Europe’s energy system
The EU can reach climate neutrality as early as 2040, according to a group of environmental NGOs which have mapped out a scenario to move the bloc towards a 100% renewable energy system by then.
Pushing water uphill: Putting power behind the renovation wave
Minimum energy performance standards can contribute to turning the tide on energy renovations in two ways, writes Louise Sunderland.
COVID-19 means tackling energy poverty is more urgent than ever
The COVID-19 crisis is hitting European consumers in the pocket, causing rising unemployment and falling income for those who have kept their jobs. Spending more time at home as a result of lockdown measures could make matters worse for energy...
Only ‘slight growth’ reported in energy efficiency services
Companies offering energy performance contracts to municipalities saw only moderate growth last year, despite a renewed push at EU level to boost energy savings and building renovation.
Why the EU must renovate to recover
The homes we live in are by far the world’s biggest asset class, representing worth €150 trillion, or 20 times the amount of gold ever mined. As such, they are too big to fail, writes Brook Riley.
Energy efficiency services
With the EU's building renovation wave coming soon to your local town hall, has the time finally arrived for the energy services industry? In this special report, EURACTIV gives an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Expert: ‘Lack of trust’ hampers energy efficiency services industry
Lack of trust and information about energy performance contracts are the most frequently cited reasons why some municipalities have become sceptical about energy service companies (ESCOs). In the future, greater standardisation should help overcome issues, says Nick Keegan.
Green building advocates ‘underwhelmed’ by EU recovery plan
When the European Commission unveiled its proposed €750 billion recovery fund two weeks ago, green activists were expecting a detailed spending programme, with billions of euros allocated to clean mobility, renewables, and an upcoming EU-wide building renovation wave.
Policy brief: Energy system integration
“Sector coupling” is the new energy buzzword in town. In essence, it means bringing different energy carriers, infrastructure and consumption sectors closer together in search of more renewables, greater efficiency, and lower carbon emissions. With its European Green Deal, tabled...
The case for green buildings in the COVID-19 recovery
By supporting green buildings, the European Commission can simultaneously cut down energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions while improving comfort and health, and supporting Europe’s 18 million construction workers, writes Peter Sweatman.Supporter
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