• Posted 10-Aug-2021

Infographic - Renovation wave: creating green buildings for the future

Every year, only 1% of the buildings in Europe undergoes renovations aimed at reducing energy consumption. Spurring renovations is central to decarbonising the buildings sector, recovering the economy and tackling energy poverty. Why?

Buildings and energy

• Buildings consume 40% of the EU's energy and emit 36% of the EU's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions
• 2/3 of European buildings are not energy efficient - many of them inhabited by low income families
• Between 85% and 95% of existing buildings in the EU will still be standing in 2050

Why does the Renovation Wave matter?

• Renewing buildings in the EU is crucial to cut down emissions and reduce energy consumption
• The wave of renovations can help recover from the COVID-19 crisis, create jobs and give a boost to the economy
• Energy efficient refurbishments can reduce energy costs for households and improve their quality of life, ensuring a just green transition

How will it work in practice?

• Improving buildings' energy performance: increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy use, adopting renewable solutions, decarbonising heating and cooling
• Focusing on circularity: supporting eco-design and energy labelling, using innovative and sustainable construction practices, promoting the use and reuse of sustainably and locally sourced materials
• Providing financial support for renovations: combining private and public investments and EU funding schemes, promoting financing options such as green subsidies, green loan incentives, energy saving obligation schemes
• Recognising the need for flexibility: the EU will support each member state in ramping up renovations in the most cost-effective way, respecting national specificities

The Renovation Wave for Europe initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 60% by 2030.

Source: European Council of the European Union (https://bit.ly/3lWynt8)