Time to increase ambition as European Parliament approves Renovation Plans

Today, the European Parliament passed a report calling for sustainable recovery through building renovations across Europe. The report authored by Green Party MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe, was passed by a large majority and highlights the necessary actions, legislative revisions and multiple benefits of increased energy efficiency policies ahead of the European Commission’s planned ‘Renovation Wave’ strategy due for release this October.Mr Cuffe said: “Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and the renovation rate in Europe benefits everyone. A-rated buildings produce fewer emissions, are healthier for their occupants, and create jobs. Yesterday, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen called for European buildings to become less wasteful, less expensive, and more sustainable. Today the European Parliament sent a strong signal to the Commission of what is expected in the upcoming Renovation Wave to that end: We know that up to 40% of the EU's energy needs stem from the building sector, which is also responsible for an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions: Renovating our building stock will significantly reduce import dependencies, cut energy bills for households and will also reduce our emissions. The Renovation Wave gives us an ideal opportunity to create employment and boost SME's as they emerge from the COVID19 crisis.”“When you consider the employment boost we can create in recovering from the impact of Covid-19 by making buildings healthier it really is an easy decision. It also tackles the climate emergency by making buildings healthier, improving air quality while also combating the climate emergency. We are now calling for Member States to stimulate local and regional economies engaged in renovation programmes, to generate local jobs and offer employment and skills opportunities that will strengthen our communities. At the heart of this report is the fight against energy poverty- if we put vulnerable groups (or at risk of and in energy poverty) at the heart of the Renovation Wave, we can create healthy, affordable, sustainable and safe living conditions for all.”“This report was all about teamwork MEPs from all across the political spectrum created a united position in creating a united position on how to make the European Green Deal a success for all, and lift millions of Europeans out of energy poverty. The Parliament is clearly calling for an upward revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to align the legislation to EU’s increased climate ambition. We want Member States to embrace the Renovation Wave as a motor for recovery and we urge Commission to create a legislative framework for the introduction of minimum energy performance standards that will progressively increase, so as they are aligned with long-term renovation strategies implementing the climate neutrality objective.”ENDs