Position Paper: Energy efficiency in buildings – investing in our infrastructure

This position paper explains why energy efficiency in buildings should be considered as infrastructure, especially when it comes to financing building renovation, shows the increased political support for the idea, and sets out easy and quick-to-implement policy recommendations.

According to the International Energy Agency, 75% of EU actions to reduce GHG emissions by 2030 should come from energy efficiency, and half of that from buildings. Around €60 to 100 billion could be invested annually in buildings alone, yet less than half of this amount is being mobilised.

Funding building renovation is an essential investment in our infrastructure. Energy efficient buildings are a long-lasting capital stock that frees up capacity elsewhere in the economy. Treating them as infrastructure would allow public authorities to assess their costs and benefits like other investments, such as transport or broadband networks, and give more confidence to investors.