Efficient Buildings Europe at the German Insurance Association's event on Europe's Affordable Housing Agenda
Climate resilience and affordability in buildings can and must go hand in hand. Between two heatwaves, our Secretary General, Rémi Collombet, joined the panel at “Europe’s Affordable Housing Agenda”, organised by the German Insurance Association (GDV) in Brussels on 2 July. Following the European Commission’s communication on the EU Affordable Housing Plan, the discussion looked at how to accelerate private investment in housing and the role of climate resilience in ensuring long-term affordability and insurability. Rémi spoke alongside Generali Real Estate and the European Commission’s DG ENER Housing Taskforce.
Energy is the second rent
Today, 9.2% of EU citizens live in energy poverty, and 38% cannot keep their homes adequately cool in summer, according to the European Environment Agency. Behind these figures are millions of households facing difficult choices, uncomfortable homes and growing health risks.
The good news is that we already have many of the solutions. Passive and active energy efficiency solutions can help tackle affordability and resilience. Well-renovated buildings reduce energy bills, improve comfort in both winter and summer, and create healthier places to live, work and learn.
Summer comfort in construction and renovation
We need to broaden the way we think about building performance. The heatwaves Europe is experiencing make it clear that summer comfort must be better integrated into construction and renovation strategies.
This is where the European Commission and national governments have a crucial role to play: communicating clearly, providing predictable long-term frameworks that support both passive and active solutions, and working hand in hand with institutional investors to unlock public and private finance.
Efficient buildings are more resilient assets
Information tools such as Energy Performance Certificates are also becoming increasingly important. By reflecting consumers’ preferences on property prices and rents, they are sending a clear signal to banks, insurers and investors: efficient buildings are more resilient assets.
Thank you to GDV for convening such an important and timely discussion. Making Europe’s buildings more efficient is about affordability, health, resilience and protecting people where they live and work.
Watch our webinar Climate Resilience: how to adapt cities and buildings?
