Event with Commissioners Highlights Importance of Renovation Strategies

On 22 June, a High Level Round-Table on Energy with key stakeholders took place in Brussels to discuss energy efficiency projects and exchange views on energy efficiency market growth prospects, investments and financing and their relation to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The discussion was introduced by keynote speeches from Mr Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy and Mr Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness.

BUILD UPON was represented during the discussions, and a number of key points advocated by Green Building Councils within the project were highlighted in the conclusions to the discussions:

• A vision for our building stock by 2050 needs to be included in the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directives. The revised EPBD is an opportunity to support in-depth renovation, to mobilise investors.
• There is a need to develop thorough national renovation roadmaps with clear targets and more specific benchmarks for the renovation of existing buildings.
• The multiple benefits of energy efficiency should be better measured and quantified (e.g. improvements in productivity, health).
• The way legislation is being implemented by Member States is a key factor for success. This should be supported by more guidance, an exchange of good practices and practical implementation tools.

Download the full High Level EE Roundtable Conclusions.