Commissioner Kadri Simson visits renovation projects in Belgium

The Renovate Europe Campaign organised a programme for EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and her Cabinet to visit two renovation projects in Belgium and see EU policy in action, as the negotiations on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive came to an end.

BuildUp Factory, Aarschot. In the morning, the Commissioner saw the modular approach to energy renovation of this fast-growing start-up, whose offsite construction minimises disruption and maximises energy savings, with digitalisation at the heart of the process. In Lille, BuildUp renovated school buildings during the summer break, without disturbing students and teachers.

Gansbeek residential area, Bilzen. The renovation of this social housing estate for the Wonen in Limburg housing company, by Knauf Energy Solutions with Daikin and Fluvius, cut residents’ energy bills by 60% and substantially improved their comfort.

The visits underlined the role of energy-efficient buildings for citizens, industry, the local economy and the climate, and the need for the new Directive to give a long-term, stable framework for investment in new factories, new solutions and skilled workers.

Efficient Buildings Europe is a partner of the Renovate Europe Campaign.