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Green homes: Resource sufficiency is key to achieving climate neutrality

(EurActiv, 29 Jun 2021) Europe must go beyond energy efficiency and recognise the need for resource sufficiency in the real estate and housing sectors. The time is ripe for a holistic policy framework that serves people and the planet, writes Gonzalo Sanchez.

Gonzalo Sanchez is policy officer at the European Environmental Bureau. 

Greening our homes, buildings and public spaces is a crucial element of the EU’s strategy towards climate neutrality. Given its potential in terms of job creation and climate action, our so-called built environment has become one of the pillars of the European Green Deal. But for the sector to contribute to our climate and social goals meaningfully, our policymakers will have to think outside the box and take a step further.

Simply put, renovating the EU’s ageing building stock and improving their energy efficiency will not be enough. To achieve climate neutrality and reduce living costs, we need a more comprehensive and holistic approach based also on resource sufficiency.

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Despite progress in reducing energy demand in European buildings, overall CO2 emissions per capita have continued to increase in recent years driven mostly by two trends: growing consumption patterns and expanding average floor area per capita in certain areas.

These trends highlight the need for more inclusive policies which take into account material sufficiency alongside efforts to boost energy efficiency and renewables. All in all, such measures would help EU countries reduce the need for carbon-intensive construction materials, notably cement and steel, and the amount of energy needed to heat a building.

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EurActiv, 29 Jun 2021: Green homes: Resource sufficiency is key to achieving climate neutrality