European Parliament sends clear message to the Commission: building renovation must be a priority!

On 23 June 2016, the European Parliament Plenary approved an own-initiative report on the Energy Efficiency Directive (Pieper Report), calling on the European Commission to include strong provisions on building renovation in its upcoming energy efficiency reviews. The report was approved with 253 votes in favour, 193 against and 46 abstentions.

“We welcome the fact that the European Parliament has taken a robust position on energy renovation of buildings, ahead of the publication of the Commission’s legislative proposals in October,” stated Susanne Dyrbøl, President of EuroACE. Renovation is a true engine for local jobs and growth, especially in SMEs.

“We are pleased to see the European Parliament calling on the Commission and Member States to work together in order for our building stock to become highly energy efficient (nZEB level) by 2050,” said Adrian Joyce, EuroACE Secretary General. The Parliament also restated that a 40% binding energy efficiency target is the most cost-effective level for 2030.