Climate neutral Europe needs building renovation
Date
29 Nov 2018
Sections
Climate & Environment
EU Commission sets EU on the right path in Climate & Energy Transition
Yesterday, the European Commission presented its Long Term “Clean Planet for All” Vision exploring pathways towards a climate neutral Europe by 2050. Eurima applauds this vision confirming both the commitment of this Commission to future-proofing the Union and to the necessity to act now to preserve people, planet and prosperity.
The EU Commission rightly identifies the renovation of the EU building stock as main contributor from an Energy Efficiency First perspective. A recent study by clean-energy consultancy ClimAct for Eurima examined different possible scenarios for bringing emissions down to net zero and concluded that, without renovation of the building stock, this carbon neutrality objective might prove impossible to reach.
Existing technologies in the building and energy efficiency sectors are already able to maximise the contribution of ambitious building renovation strategies but innovative business models, policy approaches and public private partnerships are required to upscale existing initiatives and projects. This needs to happen in the next decade if we want to be on track for 2050.
“For buildings, we have just one shot at getting things right before 2050” said Jan te Bos, Director General of Eurima. “given their expected lifetime, buildings are only likely to be renovated once, between now and 2050”. To make these renovations count, we need to look at the whole of the building. This means an energy-efficient “envelope” - the roofs, walls, floors and windows making up buildings -, with properly planned heating and cooling systems, and an effective integration of renewable-energy systems and technologies.
At the same time it must be clear that Energy Efficiency is not a luxury product and should be to the benefit of both society and all individual citizens. Ambitious building renovation programs will not only be pivotal in realizing the long-term objectives as set out by the Commission today but, because of their important societal and individual ancillary benefits, will be the natural catalyst to ensure popular support for these necessary ambitions trough improvement of comfort, health and well-being at home.
“It is important for the EU that the Commission has put a “dot-on-the-horizon” to guide the Union to climate neutrality by 2050” underlined Pascal Eveillard, President of Eurima “this ensures the necessary perspective for governments, industry, civil society and the financial sector to invest and ensure that individual citizens will be able to contribute fully to this important process”
Eurima
Eurima is the European Association of Insulation Manufacturers and represents the interests of all major mineral wool insulation producers throughout Europe. Eurima members employ over 21,000 people across Europe with the installation of insulation products accounting for an estimated 300,000 man-years.
Eurima members manufacture mineral wool insulation products. These products are used in residential and commercial buildings as well as industrial facilities. Glass and stone wool insulation secure a high level of comfort, low energy costs and minimised CO2 emissions. Mineral wool insulation prevents heat loss through roofs, walls, floors, pipes and boilers, reduces noise pollution and protects homes and industrial facilities from the risk of fire.
For further information on energy efficiency in buildings, please visit www.eurima.org
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