This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
The World Green Building Council’s BUILD UPON project scored a major win last week when Europe committed to put national renovation strategies at the heart of efforts to tackle climate change – a key recommendation from the project.
The publication of the final text of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) – a key EU policy on building renovation – challenges EU Member States to reveal the role that renovation strategies can play in delivering a ‘highly efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050’.
For the first time, Member States must clarify the contribution of the building stock to the EU’s 2030 energy efficiency target. The strategies must also include milestones for 2030 and 2040, and define “measurable progress indicators” (e.g. renovation rates or a cap on energy consumption per square meter).
Crucially, Member States must now publicly consult on their national renovation strategies before submitting them to the European Commission – a major outcome influenced by BUILD UPON, which demonstrated the importance of bringing key players in the renovation sector together to co-create national strategies with their governments.
Audrey Nugent, Senior Policy Advisor at WorldGBC’s Europe Regional Network, which led the BUILD UPON project alongside Green Building Councils in Europe, said:
“The references to these aspects in the revised EPBD demonstrates that senior decision makers have listened to the outcomes of the BUILD UPON project, representing a major win for our Green Building Councils and the wider European renovation community.
“By engaging people in the process, BUILD UPON demonstrated the need for renovation strategies that look at aspects beyond energy, such as fuel poverty, fire safety and job creation – and this will ultimately benefit all citizens across Europe.”
The updated text will shortly be published in the Official Journal of the Union and will enter into force 20 days after publication. Member States have 18 months to transpose new elements of the Directive into national law.
Green Building Councils across Europe are ready to support their governments in the design and delivery of these strategies so that Europe can unlock the potential of its buildings to make major emissions reductions.
Find out more about the BUILD UPON project.
(Image: © European Union 2017 – European Parliament)