03 August 2020 | Updated 12 August 2020
A roadmap of policies to deliver essential carbon reductions in the residential building sector by 2050 has been published.
The report, released today by the European Climate Foundation (ECF) and prepared by independent research organisation CE Delft, the sector is not currently on a trajectory to zero-carbon by 2050.
It claims that current policies focusing on incentives and information are not enough for reaching this target.
The building sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Buildings consume 40 per cent of all energy in the EU and emit 36 per cent of the union's CO2.
In its long-term strategy for 2050, the European Commission recognises the need for a near-complete decarbonisation of the building sector to meet its climate goals. However, according to the report, current policies will cut only a third of the emissions from buildings.
"More action is needed if we are to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest."
–Ciarán Cuffe
Member of the European Parliament
Zero Carbon Roadmap for Europe’s Buildings
The report focusses on three areas where the emissions reduction potential is the greatest:
- The energy performance of the existing building envelope
- Energy carriers
- Building materials
The report is released ahead of the upcoming “Renovation Wave”, an EU initiative to boost building renovation, as European states discuss national recovery plans in response to coronavirus.
It identifies building decarbonisation and renovation as opportunities for employment, healthier houses and lower energy bills for citizens in times when it is most needed.
Ciarán Cuffe, Member of the European Parliament commented: "Now, more than ever, citizens require and deserve a healthy and safe place to call home. Investing in energy efficiency and zero-carbon buildings can deliver quality homes with lower energy bills. More action is needed if we are to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest."
To advance building decarbonisation, the report calls for further and binding policies at the EU level in three areas:
- Reducing energy demand through the renovation of the building stock
- Shifting to zero-carbon fuels for heating
- Reducing embedded carbon in construction and renovation materials
"This report underlines that a comprehensive policy package would stimulate investments in deep efficiency and zero-carbon innovation in the buildings sector," says Oliver Rapf, Executive Director of the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE).
"Smart policymaking should use the many intervention points of real estate transactions and should ensure that our buildings meet the needs of its users and support citizen-focused and livable cities. The European recovery initiative is a unique opportunity for better buildings," he continues.
The full report can be accessed here.
Re-Prioritising Energy Management Post-COVID
Energy management initiatives are key in achieving long-term carbon reduction goals but, in the current economic climate, companies may struggle to find the capital investment required to implement them.
Utility Team have created the Revolving Green Fund, which provides businesses with interest-free funding to deliver energy-efficient projects and technologies.
You can read more about the funding here.
Picture: An photograph showing an aerial view of a housing estate
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 03 August 2020
Share
Related Articles
Nobu to Enter British Real Estate Market With UK’s Tallest Tower Outside London
Manchester City Council has approved a planning application for a £360 million landmark development featuring a hotel, restaurant, and the UK’s first...
Read Full Article
SBTi Seeks Feedback for Corporate Net-Zero Standard Updates
The Science Based Targets initiative is seeking feedback on new proposals to change how companies set & deliver net-zero targets.
Watch the...
Read Full Article
NHS Property Services Launches Green Plan
NHS Property Services has unveiled a three year plan to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.
The body’s previous green plan, launched in 2022, saw 960...
Read Full Article
Government Proposes Plan to Increase Use of Timber in Construction
Plans to increase the use of timber in construction to boost economic growth, rural jobs & housebuilding targets, have been announced by the...
Read Full Article
The Planet Mark Launches Net-Zero Certification Programme
ThisWeekinFM Partner Planet Mark has launched its accessible net-zero programme for businesses.
Recognised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change...
Read Full Article
The Redevelopment of London’s Oldest Power Station
Lots Road Power Station has been transformed into 260 luxury apartments.
Watch the Video
>
After the renovation of Bankside...
Read Full Article
75% of FM Companies Say They’re On Track to Become Net-Zero by 2050
IWFM’s Sustainability Report 2024 has identified widespread intent to meet the 2050 deadline for net-zero, with 75 per cent of surveyed organisations saying...
Read Full Article
MRI Software Teams up With Homesearch
Homesearch, the UK’s leading property data platform, will partner with MRI Software to deliver direct access to Homesearch’s property information natively...
Read Full Article
Historic Environment Scotland’s Retrofit Project Halted
Plans to find a new home for Historic Environment Scotland’s archives have been halted due to the rising cost of materials and labour.
Archive House, an existing...
Read Full Article
Plans Approved for First John Lewis Homes in Bromley
The John Lewis Partnership has been approved to transform a Waitrose site in Bromley into 353 new homes.
The proposed development consists of 353 new homes for rent,...
Read Full Article