Act firmly on energy security – Walk the talk on energy efficiency

Dear Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

In addition to the climate crisis, Europe is facing a severe energy prices and inflation crisis, hurting households, businesses, and economies. We see this as a pivotal moment where the mid-term objective of carbon neutrality must meet the short-term necessity to phase out fossil fuels. The fragile and inefficient nature of our current energy system and building stock has left Europe exposed. But years of inaction and low renovation rates can be reversed.

Energy efficiency is the best policy to shelter European citizens and businesses from high energy prices, restore European sovereignty while improving living conditions of our citizens. This is why structural measures to stop energy waste must be put in place to guide and help households and businesses before short term economic relief measures are phased out.

As business leaders of European frontrunners on energy efficiency, we strongly encourage you to adopt an ambitious and future-proof Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This crucial piece of legislation must align the 3 ingredients to boost dormant renovation rates:

• A solid Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) regime: Establishing MEPS in the EU will encourage investments throughout the renovation value chain, unlock further production capacity and help companies optimise training programmes. Clear timelines and benchmarks will also help homeowners to better plan their renovation works whilst improving living conditions for millions of citizens.
• Increased access to quality information and guidance: One Stop Shops and information tools such as Energy Performance Certificates, Renovation Passports and the Smart Readiness Indicator must be rolled out to facilitate and simplify renovation works.
• New instruments are needed to mobilise finance: EU and national funds can be used more efficiently to cut costs for homeowners, and dedicated mortgage portfolio standards and renovation loans can facilitate access to finance.

Our industry is ready for the challenge. Energy efficiency solutions are well known: insulation, windows, ventilation systems, decarbonised heating and cooling systems, technical building systems, lighting and building automation and control systems.

We are all committed to maintain European global leadership, and to invest in order to meet rising demand throughout the decade. Temporary shortages caused by the pandemic-era boom and geopolitical uncertainties should not be used as excuses to undermine policies that will ensure medium- and long-term sustainable growth prospects. With the necessary supporting measures and clear commitments from policymakers, we are confident our industries can deliver on more ambitious European energy and climate objectives. We have already expanded production in recent years –which is now helping to alleviate supply constraints – and are planning additional capacity.

Europe cannot afford to lose another decade when it comes to energy efficiency in buildings. Adopting an ambitious Buildings Directive is necessary to set the EU on a path towards energy security and climate neutral.