GfE Joins Hands with the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council to Boost Renovation Initiatives
In a significant move towards fostering sustainable development and addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change, GfE, a leading player in the industry, enthusiastically participated in the Renovation Week organized by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council. This four-day event, held from January 15 to 18, brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of renovation in the European Union.
GfE, recognizing the pivotal role of renovation in achieving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable building practices, actively engaged in high-level discussions and thematic panels during this impactful Renovation Week. The company’s commitment to driving positive change in the industry aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals set by the EU Council and reflects GfE’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The Renovation Week structured its agenda around vital topics such as EU renovation challenges, labor and skills, sustainable building transitions, and the use of materials to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. GfE contributed insights and perspectives, emphasizing the role of innovation in renovating existing structures, promoting energy-efficient solutions, and advancing technologies that align with the principles of circular economy practices.
As part of the event, four Member States—Portugal, the Netherlands, Flanders, and Ireland—presented their approaches to using Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as tools to estimate financial needs for renovations and monitor the results of implemented measures at both European and national levels. GfE actively participated in discussions surrounding the crucial role of EPCs in incentivizing and driving renovation actions, highlighting their importance in the broader context of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The third day of the Renovation Week took a deep dive into the materials at the heart of the transition towards sustainable buildings. Discussions ranged from reducing the carbon footprint of materials to developing guidelines for whole-life cycle assessments for buildings. GfE showcased its commitment to innovative materials and practices, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the industry’s evolution.
Moreover, site visits organized throughout Brussels provided tangible examples of successful and sustainable renovations. Projects like the Usquare in the Ixelles neighborhood demonstrated the importance of natural daylight, while showcasing the adaptive reuse of materials for new construction, aligning with the principles of circular economy practices.
This Renovation Week marked a pivotal moment in the industry, symbolizing the ambitious goals set by the Belgian Presidency for addressing crucial issues related to renovation. GfE, through its active participation, underscored its dedication to playing a transformative role in the ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Source: GlassBalkan
