How can households help tackle the energy and climate crisis?

This Debating Europe online debate will build on the suggestions in the IEA's 10-point plan to reduce the European Union’s reliance on Russian natural gas. Specifically, this debate will look at points 7, 8, and 9:

7. Speed up the replacement of gas boilers with heat pumps

8. Accelerate energy efficiency improvements in buildings and industry

9. Encourage a temporary thermostat adjustment by consumers

Energy saving and efficiency in buildings is an even more pressing issue in the context of the energy security and energy price crisis deepened by the war in Ukraine. Organising this online debate in early June is timely, also with the idea of “preparing for the coming winter”. The energy price hike, which started even before the war, highlights the importance of how we use energy. 75% of buildings in the EU are not energy efficient, yet 85-95% of today’s buildings will remain in use in 2050. The European Green Deal has identified renovating public and private buildings as an essential action. What should be the burden sharing of costs between public and private owners and what’s the citizens’ penalty or dividend?