Satellite event: Renovating Europe’s buildings – sharing the burden of energy efficiency and carbon savings costs

In a post-lockdown world, the fact that buildings play a central role in our lives is not a surprising statement. In their various forms – our homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, cinemas, libraries, etc – buildings are, however, the largest energy consumer and one of the largest CO2 emitters in the EU. 75% of today’s buildings are not energy efficient, yet 85% to 95% of them will remain in use in 2050. At the same time, much of the gas imported from Russia ends up heating our homes, with 39% of European households in 2019 using a gas boiler.

The European Green Deal has identified renovating public and private buildings as an essential action, leading to revision of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings directives. It is estimated that by 2030, 35mn buildings could be renovated and up to 160,000 additional green jobs created in the construction sector. The need to improve our building stock becomes even more urgent in the context of the energy security and energy prices crisis that was exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. At the same time, the European Commission’s proposal to extend carbon pricing to the building sector might raise concerns for families that rent their home or live in social housing.

Join our speakers to discuss how the EU, national and local public authorities can collaborate with the private sector and EU citizens to ensure that the energy efficiency of our buildings is swiftly improved, while not putting the burden of cost solely on the shoulders of EU citizens. The audience will include European Climate Pact Ambassadors and Peer Parliament representatives, EU and national policymakers, representatives from European, national, and international organisations, city and civil society representatives, European Young Leaders, industry and media. You can either watch the event live on this website or register to join the online platform and actively participate in the Q&A session.

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Satellite events are organised by individuals or organisations across Europe in contribution to the European Climate Pact. The events are held under the responsibility of the organisers indicated in the description, and the information given or opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.