In January, the European Commission launched two calls for evidence linked to increasing public and private investment in energy efficiency.

In response to the first, we raised some key issues:

• The investment gap in efficient buildings,
• The importance of collaboration with financial institutions
• The lack of visibility on national funding for energy efficiency

And we called for:

• A specific budget line for energy efficiency
• Engagement with banks and private lenders through portfolio performance requirements
• More funding for energy efficiency with the next Commission
• The involvement of national ministries in hub meetings to present renovation program updates
• New financial instruments to support the renovation of inefficient buildings

Read our submission, ‘Assessing the level of EU & national funding for energy efficiency’ here.

In response to the second, we highlighted:

• That inaction in the building sector is impacting households and public finances
• The growing risk of energy poverty and credit risks for banks
• The huge amounts of money spent by member states to subsidise energy bills

And we called for:

• The EU to stimulate private investment through funds and create a Recovery and Resilience Facility 2.0
• The use of new tools to unlock private funding, engaging banks and private lenders
• The use of blended finance and technical assistance to leverage cohesion policy funding for energy renovations
• The creation of an EU Renovation Loan

This submission, ‘Recommendation on unlocking private investments in energy efficiency for Member States and Market Actors’ can be read here.