Rebuilding Europe: Deep energy renovation should be the heart of EU economic recovery

(EurActiv, 15 Jun 2020) We are just beginning to rebuild Europe after a period of unprecedented economic, social and personal turmoil. With this spirit of renaissance in our hearts, there has never been a better time to rethink and renovate the buildings that shelter us. Creating a renovation wave in Europe now is key to any economic recovery and will be central to getting the EU back on its feet.

Presenting proposals for a Recovery Package and revised EU budget to address the immediate economic and social damage brought by coronavirus, the European Commission said this was Europe’s moment. EU spending must be rethought in order to “repair and prepare for the next generation,” the Commission said.

This is the mindset we need for the coming weeks, months and years. Repair and prepare. Renovate. Make buildings fit for the future and the challenges it will hold: including climate change and energy poverty, along with the need for a healthy indoor environment, made only too clear by the long days spent at home to reduce the spread of the virus.

As Chairman of Eurima, the European Insulation Manufacturers Association, I was glad to hear the Commission state that investing in a large-scale renovation wave “has enormous potential to get Europe’s economy growing,” as part of the economic recovery package.

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EurActiv, 15 Jun 2020: Rebuilding Europe: Deep energy renovation should be the heart of EU economic recovery