EuroACE comments related to the Public Consultation on Sustainable Buildings
EuroACE supports the move by the EU towards a greater focus on the long-term viability and value of our buildings. This focus is expressed through work on the environmental, social and economic impact of buildings and will underpin the development of new legislation, policies and standards.
To achieve a high level of sustainability, EuroACE recalls that having a high energy performance is the crucial first parameter that must be achieved in the EU, both for new and existing buildings. Buildings that do not have a high energy performance cannot be considered as sustainable.
Any policy initiative to move towards sustainability should depart from the existing policy frame and widen the scope of impacts in an incremental and holistic manner.