EU launches ‘renovation wave’ for greener, more stylish buildings

(EurActiv, 15 Oct 2020) 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.

Three-quarters of Europe’s buildings are energy inefficient by modern standards and many are heated using fossil fuels. They are responsible for more than a third of EU carbon dioxide emissions and making them more efficient is a key part of the EU’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The Commission plans to double the EU’s annual rate of energy-related building renovations, which is currently just 1%, upgrading 35 million buildings by 2030.

“It’s not easy. It’s not just throwing money at it, we need to get the right regulation in place,” Frans Timmermans, Commission executive vice president for the European Green Deal, said on Wednesday.

Funding should prioritise renovations that tackle energy poverty to support the 34 million Europeans struggling to pay heating bills, the Commission said. Other focus areas are public buildings and polluting heating systems.

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EurActiv, 15 Oct 2020: EU launches ‘renovation wave’ for greener, more stylish buildings