Affordable housing has energy efficiency at its core

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights affordable housing as part of her political guidelines for the next mandate.

As Efficient Buildings Europe we very much welcome that the Commission President acknowledged the importance of addressing the housing crisis among her political priorities. Energy-efficient buildings are the foundation of truly affordable housing in the European Affordable Housing Plan and reducing energy consumption will not only make housing more economically accessible but also unleash a whole host of other benefits: reduced energy consumption, lower energy bills, increased comfort and well-being, reduced environmental impact, jobs creation, and economic growth.

Simple solutions can increase public and private financing for energy-efficient homes. Providing affordable financing upfront will allow people to carry out the necessary renovation work to improve their home and reduce their energy bills. The proposed initiative with the European Investment Bank can provide the support and guarantees required for banks to unlock financing for households. Financial programs such as a European Renovation Fund or Loan and the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will help deliver.

Tackling buildings are at the core of ensuring a competitive and resilient Europe, and at the core of successfully decarbonising our building stock and improving living conditions is putting people – Europeans – at the centre of the green transition. We therefore very much welcome the particular focus on affordable and sustainable housing as part of the political priorities outlined by Ursula von der Leyen as part of her new mandate. We look forward to working with her and her College of Commissioners both on this, and the overall implementation of the Fit for 55 Package. We’ve laid the foundation. Now it’s time to deliver!

Julie Kjestrup, President of Efficient Buildings Europe and Head of Policy and Thought Leadership at VELUX

The time has come to capture the benefits of energy efficient, affordable homes for all. And, although coming later than we had hoped, this inclusion of the topic of affordable, energy efficient homes in the political guidelines for the next College of Commissioners by President von der Leyen, is most welcome.

Adrian Joyce, Secretary General of Efficient Buildings Europe

By leveraging public and private investments, adopting a collaborative approach by involving all key stakeholders of our sector and embracing the comprehensive benefits of energy efficiency, we can build a sustainable future where affordable housing is within reach for all. At Efficient Buildings Europe we’re excited about the work ahead and look forward to working actively with the Commission and other stakeholders to
execute on the guidelines.