The first week of December witnessed a significant focus on the crucial role of energy efficiency and sustainable construction in shaping the European Union’s future.
Two prominent events – Energy Efficiency Day at the European Parliament and the Sustainable Construction Talks in Brussels – highlighted the urgency and potential impact of ambitious action over the next five years.
Energy Efficiency Day, organized by the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE), brought together key stakeholders to emphasize the continuing importance of energy efficiency. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) underscored the transformative potential of this sector, emphasizing that the decisions made in the next five years will profoundly impact the next fifty. MEP Seán Kelly, rapporteur on the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), aptly stated that buildings are central to the EU’s green transition. He highlighted the dual benefit of boosting renovation rates: significant energy savings that can be redirected to other sectors, and the creation of vital local jobs, fostering a sustainable and competitive future for the EU. MEP Jutta Paulus further emphasized the critical need to address energy poverty within the broader context of energy efficiency initiatives.
Concurrently, the Sustainable Construction Talks, held for the first time in Brussels, reinforced these themes within the specific context of the construction industry. Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-Gobain, stressed the imperative to swiftly implement recently agreed policies, particularly the revised EPBD. He emphasized that the construction sector’s innovation needs to focus on both scale and speed, given the readily available efficient products already on the market. The subsequent panel discussions delved into crucial aspects of sustainable housing, focusing on policy levers to ensure affordability and the financial instruments needed to accelerate the transformation of the existing building stock.
Taken together, these events paint a clear picture: the next five years are critical for achieving meaningful progress in energy efficiency and sustainable construction. The consensus amongst participants highlights the necessity of concrete actions, including the rapid implementation of existing policies, innovative financial mechanisms to support renovation efforts, and a continued political commitment to prioritizing sustainable practices within the construction sector. The need to tackle energy poverty and create green jobs further underscores the holistic and societal benefits of prioritizing sustainable building practices. The discussions served as a vital platform for collaboration and the establishment of a clear roadmap towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment in Europe.
Source: Glass for Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan
