Energy performance of buildings
‘Matching sustainability with style’: EU lifts veil on new European Bauhaus initiative
The European Commission is inviting “creative minds” across Europe to contribute ideas to the "New European Bauhaus", an initiative aimed at designing new ways of living to meet the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Planet-warming emissions from buildings put climate goals at risk
Planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from buildings and construction are jeopardising global goals to keep devastating climate change at bay, a UN-backed coalition warned on Wednesday (16 December), after data showed they hit an all-time high in 2019.
‘Complete overhaul’ of buildings needed to meet EU’s 2030 climate goal
Europe needs a “complete overhaul” of its buildings to meet a higher 2030 emissions reduction target, according to new research published today (3 December).
Biggest challenge in energy transition is social justice, EU official says
While legitimate worries are being expressed about funding for low-carbon technologies to meet EU climate goals, the biggest challenge will be to manage the energy transition in a way that does not deepen social inequalities, a senior EU official has said.
EU needs mandatory targets and means to save energy
The European Commission needs to bring in legally-binding energy efficiency targets to support building renovation and give member states the support they need to reach them, write Kamila Waciega and Ville Niinistö.
Energy-efficient building renovation: a Franco-German challenge
To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the question of renovating buildings to be more energy-efficient is of crucial importance. More than ever before, it is the subject of debate on both sides of the Rhine. EURACTIV France and Germany report.
Words into action: all hands on deck to make Renovation Wave a reality
Member states need to roll up their sleeves and start working on implementing national and local renovation waves across Europe, writes Oliver Rapf.
This is the moment to renovate your buildings, EU tells member states
Now is the time for member states to renovate buildings and make them energy efficient, the EU's climate chief Frans Timmermans said today (27 October), despite a lack of clarity on minimum requirements at EU level, which won’t be introduced until next year.
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.
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.
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.
Gas boilers deserve an ‘F’, not an ‘A’
Fossil gas boilers may continue to be labelled ‘green’ for another decade or so if EU leaders fail to review energy labelling rules for heating appliances within a year. This would be very bad news for an overheating world, write...
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.
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.
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.