Share this on social media
Why national building renovation plans are key for the recovery
(EurActiv, 7 Jul 2020) Renovating a country’s buildings and homes represents a massive opportunity for sustainable economic recovery, health, well-being, and CO2 reduction, writes Oliver Rapf.
Oliver Rapf is executive director of the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE).
The European Commission has proposed a €1.85 trillion recovery plan to help the European Union exit the economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. How some of this money will be spent will be defined in national Recovery and Resilience Plans, which national governments must prepare to access the funding. Within this context, financing building renovation is one of the smartest moves national governments could make and will respond to societal and environmental needs and urgencies.
Buildings are an important pillar of both our society and our economy. The pandemic has shown that buildings can be a safe haven to reduce risk of infection. However, they can also be an infection hotspot or make lockdown more painful for people in poor living conditions. The ball is now in the court of EU national governments to finalise their renovation strategies and to develop a recovery plan, which integrates the investment and growth opportunities of building renovation initiatives.
Recent research from BPIE has shown that for every €1 million invested in energy renovation of buildings, an average of 18 local and long-term jobs are created that will stimulate economic activity. Holistic, energy efficient renovation of office buildings increases productivity by about 12% leading to a potential benefit of about €500 billion to the economy per year, and well-designed and executed energy renovation of hospitals reduces the average patient stay by about 11%, producing potential savings of about €45 billion per year to the healthcare sector. For homes, in France for example, medical costs of about €930 million per year are linked to poor quality housing. Including the indirect consequences of such ill-health (absenteeism, lower productivity etc.), poor quality housing could be costing the French economy as much as €20 billion per year.
The column continues, follow link.
External link
EurActiv, 7 Jul 2020: Why national building renovation plans are key for the recovery
31 Jan 2022: Stalled 'Build Back Better' package threatens U.S. climate influence
20 Dec 2021: Manchin delivers potential fatal blow to Biden's $1.75 trillion spending bill
18 Oct 2021: How to tackle COVID-19 jobs crisis and climate change? Invest in clean energy
2 Sep 2021: Pandemic a lost opportunity to speed energy transition, consultancy says
26 Aug 2021: Scottish Green Party announces plan with Government to build a green economic recovery
20 Jul 2021: Emissions will hit record high by 2023 if green recovery fails, says IEA
15 Jul 2021: Trillions of dollars spent on Covid recovery in ways that harm environment
11 Jun 2021: Hard-hit by COVID-19, Latin America seen skimping on climate cash
31 May 2021: EU, Japan seal ‘green alliance’ in bid for climate neutrality
26 Apr 2021: Clean energy shift a chance to 'raise' people and the economy, Biden says
20 Apr 2021: Green stimulus plan could create 1.2m UK jobs in two years, research finds
19 Apr 2021: Plotting a green Covid recovery: How the EU, US and China stack up
8 Apr 2021: World Bank, IMF eye ways to link debt relief to climate change spending
6 Apr 2021: Urgent policies needed to steer countries to net zero, says IEA chief
15 Mar 2021: Green Climate Fund whistleblowers urge US to take its money elsewhere – until ‘toxic’ workplace is fixed
15 Mar 2021: Abolition of energy-saving certificates worries French building sector
11 Mar 2021: Hall of shame: 9 countries missing the chance of a green recovery
5 Mar 2021: Africa urged to embrace wind power to create jobs and go green
22 Feb 2021: Keep funding green homes to meet emissions target, say businesses
18 Feb 2021: What is in store for Southeast Asia’s clean energy sector in 2021?
11 Feb 2021: Preview-covid, climate, tax feature at first post-Trump G7 talks
8 Feb 2021: 'Eat and have a job': Moldovan youth advisor lays out economic basis for climate action
11 Jan 2021: World Bank to invest $5 bln in 11 African countries
21 Dec 2020: Time for a global Green New Deal
17 Dec 2020: Few major economies investing in nature-friendly COVID-19 recovery, index finds
10 Dec 2020: The climate crisis should be at the heart of the global Covid recovery
8 Dec 2020: UK plans to slash carbon emissions 68% by 2030 – how banking, building and borrowing can help
3 Dec 2020: IEA: Energy efficiency plays notable role in global economic recovery packages
30 Nov 2020: Fixing EU carbon market crucial to airlines ‘building back better’
24 Nov 2020: Not just emissions: why a green recovery from Covid-19 means more jobs
23 Nov 2020: Covid-19: Can Asean make sustainable recovery a reality?
23 Nov 2020: China seeks green cooperation with EU in post-pandemic recovery
16 Nov 2020: EU countries urged to support ‘green recovery’ across the globe
12 Nov 2020: Financing for global goals under threat just when most needed, says OECD head
12 Nov 2020: It’s time for recovery finance to step up
12 Nov 2020: Why India should keep coal out of its infrastructure story
10 Nov 2020: Biden’s election offers opportunity to cut energy emissions and fight climate change
9 Nov 2020: World is running out of time on climate, experts warn
5 Nov 2020: Debt-for-climate swaps can help developing countries make a green recovery
2 Nov 2020: Green recovery led by industry or government – America’s choice between two future
29 Oct 2020: Asia's aspiring 'green-collar' workers hope for jobs in COVID recovery
29 Oct 2020: South Korea mirrors European Green Deal with net-zero pledge for 2050
16 Oct 2020: Tenth of pandemic stimulus spend could help world reach climate goals – study
15 Oct 2020: World Bank and IMF must spearhead a green and inclusive recovery
15 Oct 2020: Ballooning debt cripples poor countries’ hopes of green recovery from Covid
13 Oct 2020: Climate change poses 'profound threat' to global growth -IMF chief
28 Sep 2020: Can Asean balance growth and sustainability in post-Covid infrastructure development?
28 Sep 2020: World leaders pledge to halt Earth’s destruction ahead of UN summit
14 Sep 2020: Governments urged to invest more in green cities to beat coronavirus slump
10 Sep 2020: Showcasing the need to improve energy performance of industry
8 Sep 2020: African ministers call for investment in Great Green Wall to aid Covid-19 recovery
4 Sep 2020: Create jobs and protect the climate? Analysis shows these investments would deliver.
4 Sep 2020: France's 'big green recovery plan' not big enough for campaigners
24 Aug 2020: Climate fund for poor nations vows to drive green COVID recovery
24 Jul 2020: Plan that tackles recession and climate change could create 76,000 Australian jobs, report says
23 Jul 2020: Britain to provide 350 mln stg to help industry cut carbon emissions
23 Jul 2020: Guterres confronts China over coal boom, urging a green recovery
17 Jul 2020: S.Korea to spend $95 bln on green projects to boost economy
17 Jul 2020: More nature, more jobs? Green investment seen as driver of coronavirus recovery
15 Jul 2020: Green budget rules won’t be the hottest potato at EU summit talks
13 Jul 2020: Renewable hydrogen: a strategic opportunity for global green recovery
10 Jul 2020: ECB’s Lagarde to pursue ‘every avenue’ to fight climate change
10 Jul 2020: Air France’s promise to nix domestic flights: Not good enough for the environment
10 Jul 2020: EU Commission charts path towards 100% renewable hydrogen
30 Jun 2020: Climate fund targets $2.5 bln in clean energy investment for SE Asia
29 Jun 2020: How green are Asia’s post-Covid economic recovery plans?
29 Jun 2020: What is green finance’s role in the Covid-19 recovery?
29 Jun 2020: Ireland to set annual emissions goals to reach 2050 carbon neutrality
29 Jun 2020: US to join summit on global green recovery from Covid-19 crisis
29 Jun 2020: France's Macron pledges 15-billion-euro green push after vote rout
25 Jun 2020: POLL-Americans split along party lines over green stimulus
22 Jun 2020: Britain still failing on climate crisis, warn advisers
19 Jun 2020: Hopes for EU–China climate deal centre on a green recovery
18 Jun 2020: IEA: States should invest $3 trillion in sustainable energy
15 Jun 2020: European energy decarbonisation: reinforcing the EU’s 2050 climate goal through a green recovery
11 Jun 2020: Local Government: Green recovery could create over one million jobs
11 Jun 2020: New Jersey regulators enable major progress on energy efficiency
9 Jun 2020: Envisioning a blue recovery
8 Jun 2020: 'No one can self-isolate from climate change'; UK, French c.banks urge action
8 Jun 2020: ANALYSIS-Jobs come first in S.Korea's ambitious 'Green New Deal' climate plan
8 Jun 2020: COVID-19 relief for fossil fuel industries risks green recovery plans
4 Jun 2020: Boris Johnson under pressure to ensure green recovery in UK
4 Jun 2020: Solar pumps, migrant homes help shield post-coronavirus world
4 Jun 2020: Green Recovery: Germany unveils plans for €40bn climate spending surge
2 Jun 2020: Japan to launch ‘green recovery’ platform and ministerial meeting
28 May 2020: Clean energy is vital to the Covid-19 response in the world’s poorest countries
28 May 2020: UK support grows for a green Covid-19 exit
26 May 2020: The call for a "Renovation Fund For All Europeans" gains momentum, reaches out to Poland
26 May 2020: The case for green buildings in the COVID-19 recovery
26 May 2020: World health leaders urge green recovery from coronavirus crisis
25 May 2020: Will China’s Covid recovery be green? – Climate Weekly
21 May 2020: Heed lessons of 2008 crisis, experts warn global leaders
19 May 2020: Business giants call for science-based green economic recovery
18 May 2020: Labour to plan green economic rescue from coronavirus crisis
18 May 2020: Labour to plan green economic rescue from coronavirus crisis
15 May 2020: Transparent data is the key to Asia’s green recovery in a post-Covid world
15 May 2020: Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned
14 May 2020: Deutsche Bank targets 200 bln euros of sustainable investment by 2025
14 May 2020: Seizing the moment: how Australia can build a green economy from the Covid-19 wreckage
12 May 2020: Republicans urge Trump to bar banks from shunning fossil fuel loans, investments
11 May 2020: Reconstruct without rebuilding
4 May 2020: IMF chief: $1 trillion post-coronavirus stimulus must tackle climate crisis
20 Feb 2023: Green housing must be affordable and inclusive for all
10 Feb 2023: An EU Renovation Loan can unlock €2 trillion of future energy savings
5 Dec 2022: Campaigners push EU-backed ‘renovation loan’ to decarbonise buildings
8 Jul 2022: European cities call for more staff, resources to decarbonise buildings
21 Jun 2022: Spend wisely: Use cohesion funding for energy renovation
20 Jun 2022: ‘Renovictions’ loom as EU aims to boost building renovation
20 Dec 2021: EU countries told to set up ‘one-stop-shops’ to help homeowners renovate
17 Dec 2021: EuroACE: News standards in EPBD revision could enable green transition for buildings
16 Dec 2021: EU confronted with lack of skilled labour to support building renovation wave
13 Dec 2021: EU warned against watering down climate ambition in buildings law
9 Dec 2021: Energy saving schemes need better targeting at poorest households, experts say
29 Nov 2021: Policies to mitigate high energy prices should fast-track building renovation
25 Nov 2021: LEAK: Draft EU law introduces new standards to decarbonise buildings by 2050
25 Nov 2021: A piecemeal approach on energy standards for buildings won’t work
19 Nov 2021: Deep renovation should be standard and included in EPBD – study
11 Nov 2021: No more time for half-measures on renovation
27 Oct 2021: Gas prices: keep calm and renovate buildings
27 Oct 2021: Green mortgages to help EU achieve climate goals
25 Oct 2021: Soaring energy prices put spotlight on Europe's draughty buildings
9 Sep 2021: It’s high time to make the EU’s buildings directive fit for 2030 and beyond
3 Sep 2021: New report: EPBD revision a ‘make-or-break’ opportunity
31 Aug 2021: Our renovation dream needs a reality check
22 Jul 2021: France to capitalise on ‘resounding success’ of green renovation
8 Jul 2021: EU bets on energy savings, greener buildings to meet climate target
5 Jul 2021: Why the renovation wave matters more than the EU knows
22 Jun 2021: Why a carbon tax is the most effective price signal for the building sector
17 Jun 2021: EU energy ministers support doubling renovation rates by 2030
15 Jun 2021: Fit and fair: The case for a European fund for targeted renovation
10 Jun 2021: EU’s building renovation wave hits administrative snag
3 Jun 2021: Will the Renovation Wave leave Europe’s poorest on the shore?
3 Jun 2021: EU renovation wave needs ‘major changes’ to be successful
3 May 2021: Consumers will only renovate their homes if it’s easy and affordable
26 Apr 2021: Sweetening the deal for heat decarbonisation
22 Apr 2021: Energy-efficient buildings should be ‘new normal’, says EU’s Simson
18 Mar 2021: EU’s green building push risks driving homelessness, activists warn
12 Mar 2021: Renovation strategies will not deliver net-zero by 2050
8 Mar 2021: National renovation plans falling short of EU’s 2050 climate goal: study
26 Feb 2021: Retail real estate needs Paris-proof decarbonisation strategy – new report
25 Feb 2021: EU countries back green building renovations, but quiet on binding standards
19 Feb 2021: Contributing to global climate goals: How can the gas infrastructure sector develop low-carbon and renewable solutions?
11 Feb 2021: The European Bauhaus, an opportunity to shift paradigms and shape our buildings
1 Feb 2021: EEFIG plenary 9–10 Feb open to all interested in financing efficiency
21 Jan 2021: Don't rely on direct hydrogen use to decarbonise buildings, broad coalition of stakeholders tells the EU
21 Jan 2021: French citizens want better homes. Why are politicians standing in their way?
17 Dec 2020: Planet-warming emissions from buildings put climate goals at risk
14 Dec 2020: The Renovation wave should kick-start a just healthy building transition in Europe
10 Dec 2020: EU Taxonomy proposals clash with Renovation Wave
4 Dec 2020: ‘Complete overhaul’ of buildings needed to meet EU’s 2030 climate goal
9 Nov 2020: Energy-efficient building renovation: a Franco-German challenge
6 Nov 2020: Energy-efficient building renovation: a Franco-German challenge
6 Nov 2020: Untapping multiple benefits to speed up renovation wave
6 Nov 2020: BPIE report maps path forward for the European Renovation Wave
29 Oct 2020: This is the moment to renovate your buildings, EU tells member states
22 Oct 2020: Will the Renovation Wave benefit the energy poor?
15 Oct 2020: EU launches ‘renovation wave’ for greener, more stylish buildings
12 Oct 2020: Building for a new Europe
5 Oct 2020: Energy performance in buildings is key to meeting 2030 emissions target
13 Jul 2020: New study shows importance of Minimum Energy Performance Standards to spur Europe's Renovation Wave
29 Jun 2020: Pushing water uphill: Putting power behind the renovation wave
25 Jun 2020: The Renovation Wave: an opportunity to scale-up real energy savings through energy management
18 Jun 2020: Why the EU must renovate to recover
16 Jun 2020: Rebuilding Europe: Deep energy renovation should be the heart of EU economic recovery
11 Jun 2020: Green building advocates ‘underwhelmed’ by EU recovery plan
22 May 2020: €90 bln needed to realise deep buildings renovation investments for EU’s post Covid-19 recovery
21 May 2020: Heating electrification amplifies need for efficient buildings, experts say
14 May 2020: Confined life under COVID-19 focuses global attention on the need to renovate homes
7 May 2020: EU building ‘renovation wave’ set for launch in September
17 Apr 2020: New action plan for renovation and economic recovery by BPIE